CVE-2021-32571:Undeleted Credential Files in Ericsson OSS-RC Systems

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Description Preview

A vulnerability exists in Ericsson OSS-RC systems release 18B and older where credential files containing usernames and passwords remain in the system after data migration procedures. While these files are only accessible by top privileged accounts, they represent a security risk as they should have been deleted after migration. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-459 (Incomplete Cleanup).

Overview

During data migration procedures in Ericsson OSS-RC systems (release 18B and older), certain files containing sensitive authentication credentials (usernames and passwords) are not properly deleted from the system. Although these files are stored in folders that are only accessible to users with top-level privileges, they still pose a security risk as they contain plaintext credentials that could be compromised if a privileged account is breached. This vulnerability affects legacy OSS-RC systems that are no longer supported by Ericsson.

Remediation

Since this vulnerability affects products that are no longer supported by Ericsson, the recommended remediation is to upgrade to Ericsson Network Manager, which is the new generation OSS system that replaces OSS-RC. Organizations still using affected OSS-RC systems should:

  1. Identify and manually remove any credential files left after migration processes
  2. Implement additional access controls to restrict access to directories where sensitive files might be stored
  3. Plan and execute a migration to the supported Ericsson Network Manager platform
  4. Audit privileged user accounts to ensure proper access control

References

  • Gruppo TIM Cybersecurity Red Team: https://www.gruppotim.it/it/innovazione/servizi-digitali/cybersecurity/red-team.html
  • CWE-459: Incomplete Cleanup - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/459.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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