CVE-2017-15531 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Symantec Reporter versions 9.5 before 9.5.4.1 and 10.1 before 10.1.5.5 have a vulnerability that allows malicious attackers to perform brute force attacks on user passwords.

Understanding CVE-2017-15531

This CVE involves improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts in Symantec Reporter versions.

What is CVE-2017-15531?

The vulnerability in Symantec Reporter versions allows attackers to repeatedly guess user passwords through brute force attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15531

The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to the Reporter system, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of data stored within the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15531

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Symantec Reporter versions 9.5 before 9.5.4.1 and 10.1 before 10.1.5.5 do not enforce limits on authentication attempts for management interface users, facilitating brute force attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Reporter
Vendor: Symantec Corporation
Vulnerable Versions:
9.5 prior to 9.5.4.1
10.x prior to 10.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly attempting to guess user passwords until successful, gaining unauthorized access to the Reporter system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-15531 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Symantec Reporter to versions 9.5.4.1 or 10.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict authentication attempts to prevent brute force attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
Regularly audit and review access controls to detect unauthorized activities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Symantec Corporation to address the vulnerability.