CVE-2017-5230 : What You Need to Know

Rapid7 Nexpose versions prior to 6.4.50 have a vulnerability due to a hard-coded password used to encrypt the Java keystore, impacting the security of stored scan credentials.

Understanding CVE-2017-5230

What is CVE-2017-5230?

The vulnerability in Rapid7 Nexpose versions before 6.4.50 stems from the use of a fixed password ('r@p1d7k3y5t0r3') to encrypt the Java keystore, which cannot be changed by users. This keystore is crucial for securely storing scan credentials on the disk.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5230

The presence of a hard-coded password in the encryption process poses a significant security risk, potentially exposing sensitive scan credentials to unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5230

Vulnerability Description

The Java keystore in affected Rapid7 Nexpose versions is encrypted with a static password that remains unchangeable, compromising the security of stored credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nexpose
Vendor: Rapid7
Versions Affected: 6.4.49 and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially access and exploit stored scan credentials due to the predictable and unchangeable nature of the encryption password.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Rapid7 Nexpose to version 6.4.50 or later to eliminate the hard-coded password vulnerability.
Regularly review and update scan credentials to enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies for all system and application credentials.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Rapid7 to ensure the latest security measures are in place.