CVE-2025-30406
KEVGladinet CentreStack and Triofox Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key Vulnerability
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- High
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
Gladinet CentreStack through 16.1.10296.56315 (fixed in 16.4.10315.56368) has a deserialization vulnerability due to the CentreStack portal's hardcoded machineKey use, as exploited in the wild in March 2025. This enables threat actors (who know the machineKey) to serialize a payload for server-side deserialization to achieve remote code execution. NOTE: a CentreStack admin can manually delete the machineKey defined in portal\web.config.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-30406
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-30406 CISA Vulnerability Name: Gladinet CentreStack and Triofox Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key Vulnerability CVSS Score: 9
The vulnerability in Gladinet CentreStack through version 16.1.10296.56315 involves the use of a hard-coded cryptographic key (machineKey) in the CentreStack portal. This key is used for deserialization processes, which, if known by an attacker, can lead to remote code execution (RCE). The severity of this vulnerability is rated as critical (CVSS Score: 9) due to the potential for unauthorized code execution on the server, leading to significant security risks.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Deserialization Attack: An attacker with knowledge of the hard-coded
machineKeycan craft a malicious serialized payload. When this payload is deserialized by the server, it can execute arbitrary code. - Network Exploitation: The attack can be conducted over the network, making it a remote exploitation vector.
Exploitation Methods:
- Payload Crafting: The attacker crafts a serialized object that, when deserialized, executes malicious code.
- Network Communication: The attacker sends the crafted payload to the vulnerable server, which processes it and executes the embedded code.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Gladinet CentreStack versions up to and including 16.1.10296.56315.
- Gladinet Triofox (specific versions not mentioned but likely affected due to shared codebase).
Fixed Version:
- Gladinet CentreStack version 16.4.10315.56368 and later.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Update Software: Upgrade to Gladinet CentreStack version 16.4.10315.56368 or later.
- Manual Mitigation: Administrators can manually delete the
machineKeydefined inportal\web.configto prevent the use of the hard-coded key.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Regular Patching: Ensure that all software is regularly updated to the latest versions.
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and remove hard-coded cryptographic keys.
- Network Security: Implement network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and block suspicious activities.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
The discovery and exploitation of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure cryptographic practices. Hard-coded keys represent a significant risk, as they can be discovered and exploited by threat actors. This incident underscores the need for:
- Dynamic Key Management: Implementing dynamic and secure key management practices.
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Incident Response: Having a robust incident response plan to quickly address and mitigate vulnerabilities.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- Deserialization Process: The vulnerability arises from the deserialization process using a hard-coded
machineKey. Deserialization converts serialized data back into an object, which can execute code if the data is maliciously crafted. - Hard-coded Key: The
machineKeyis embedded in theportal\web.configfile, making it accessible to anyone with access to the configuration.
Detection and Monitoring:
- Log Analysis: Monitor server logs for unusual deserialization activities or errors.
- Intrusion Detection: Use intrusion detection systems to identify and alert on suspicious network traffic patterns.
Remediation Steps:
- Patch Deployment: Deploy the patched version of Gladinet CentreStack (16.4.10315.56368 or later).
- Configuration Changes: Remove the hard-coded
machineKeyfromportal\web.configand implement a secure key management solution.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security practices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of similar exploits in the future.