CVE-2024-8453 in GS-4210-24PL4C Hardware 2.0
Summary
by MITRE • 09/30/2024
Certain switch models from PLANET Technology use an insecure hashing function to hash user passwords without being salted. Remote attackers with administrator privileges can read configuration files to obtain the hash values, and potentially crack them to retrieve the plaintext passwords.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8453 affects specific switch models manufactured by PLANET Technology, presenting a critical security weakness in the authentication mechanism. This flaw stems from the implementation of an insecure hashing function that lacks proper salting mechanisms, creating a significant vector for credential compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables remote attackers who have already gained administrator privileges to access configuration files containing hashed passwords, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the password hashing process where PLANET Technology devices utilize a cryptographic function that does not incorporate salt values. This practice violates fundamental security principles outlined in industry standards such as CWE-328, which addresses the use of weak hashing algorithms, and CWE-327, which specifically covers the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms. The absence of salting makes these hash values susceptible to rainbow table attacks and precomputed hash lookups, significantly reducing the computational difficulty required to reverse engineer the original passwords. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves credential access through exploitation of weak cryptographic implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8453 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network infrastructure. Once an attacker obtains the configuration files containing the unsalted hash values, they can leverage various cracking tools and techniques to recover plaintext passwords. This vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor for unauthorized access to network switches, potentially allowing attackers to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where network switches serve as critical infrastructure components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched firmware versions provided by PLANET Technology, implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication, and conducting comprehensive network audits to identify any compromised systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-112, which recommends the use of salted hashing functions for password storage. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts, while also ensuring that administrative access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar implementations of insecure cryptographic practices within the network infrastructure.