Weak Password Recovery in H3C NX15

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in the H3C NX15 V100R017 device, specifically in the Administrator Password Modification Endpoint's function change_passwd located in the /api/login/modify file. The issue arises from improper handling of the argument newPass, which leads to weak password recovery mechanisms.

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without any authentication, allowing them to change the administrator password and potentially take over the admin account.

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Impact Analysis

Exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to remotely change the administrator password without authentication, effectively gaining full control over the affected device.

This can lead to unauthorized access, data compromise, disruption of services, and potential further attacks within the network where the device is deployed.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves the Administrator Password Modification Endpoint in H3C NX15 V100R017, specifically the /api/login/modify function. Detection can be approached by monitoring for unauthorized or suspicious requests to this endpoint, especially those attempting to manipulate the newPass argument without proper authentication.

A practical method to detect exploitation attempts is to analyze network traffic or logs for HTTP requests targeting /api/login/modify with unusual or repeated password change attempts.

Additionally, the public exploit script named "preauth_login_modify_takeover.py" available in the referenced GitHub repository can be used in a controlled environment to test if your system is vulnerable.

• Use network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump) to filter HTTP POST requests to /api/login/modify.
• Check web server or device logs for entries involving password change attempts without authentication.
• Run the provided proof-of-concept exploit script in a test environment to verify vulnerability presence.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting access to the vulnerable endpoint /api/login/modify to trusted networks or IP addresses only.

Implement network-level controls such as firewalls or access control lists (ACLs) to block unauthorized remote access attempts to the device.

Monitor logs and network traffic for suspicious activity targeting the password modification endpoint.

If possible, apply any vendor-provided patches or updates addressing this vulnerability once available.

Change administrator passwords regularly and ensure strong password policies are enforced.

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Compliance Impact

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate the password change function without authentication, leading to weak password recovery and potential unauthorized administrative access.

Such unauthorized access and weak password controls can lead to compromised confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, which may result in non-compliance with common standards and regulations like GDPR and HIPAA that require strong access controls and protection of sensitive data.

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