Overview
A critical security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-54338, has been discovered in the Application Server of Desktop Alert PingAlert versions 6.1.0.11 through 6.1.1.2. This vulnerability stems from an Incorrect Access Control issue, potentially allowing unauthorized attackers to disclose sensitive user password hashes. This is a HIGH severity vulnerability that requires immediate attention.
Technical Details
The vulnerability exists due to insufficient access control mechanisms within the PingAlert Application Server. An attacker, by exploiting this flaw, can potentially bypass authentication checks and gain access to user password hashes stored on the server. The specific method of exploitation involves [Details on the specific exploitation method would go here, based on reverse engineering reports or vendor advisories. Without the actual details I cannot accurately add it, but would add the URL to the advisory in the references section below.]. Successful exploitation allows for offline password cracking attempts, potentially leading to complete account compromise.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for CVE-2025-54338 is 7.5, indicating a HIGH severity vulnerability. This score reflects the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector: Network (AV:N)
- Attack Complexity: Low (AC:L)
- Privileges Required: None (PR:N)
- User Interaction: None (UI:N)
- Scope: Unchanged (S:U)
- Confidentiality: High (C:H)
- Integrity: None (I:N)
- Availability: None (A:N)
This indicates that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable with relative ease and leads to a high impact on confidentiality.
Possible Impact
Exploitation of CVE-2025-54338 can have severe consequences, including:
- User Account Compromise: Disclosure of user hashes allows attackers to perform offline cracking, potentially gaining access to user accounts.
- Data Breach: Compromised accounts can be used to access sensitive data stored within the PingAlert system and potentially other connected systems.
- Reputational Damage: A successful attack can severely damage the reputation of organizations using vulnerable versions of Desktop Alert PingAlert.
- Lateral Movement: Attackers can potentially use compromised accounts to move laterally within the network and gain access to more sensitive systems.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-54338, the following steps are highly recommended:
- Immediate Patching: Upgrade Desktop Alert PingAlert to the latest version as soon as a patch is released by the vendor. Check the Desktop Alert website for updates and security advisories.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised system.
- Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies to increase the difficulty of password cracking attempts.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement an IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider deploying a WAF to filter malicious requests and prevent exploitation.
