Description
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the out-of-support Control-M/Agent versions 9.0.18 to 9.0.20 and potentially earlier unsupported versions when using an empty or default kdb keystore or a default PKCS#12 keystore. A remote attacker with access to a signed third-party or demo certificate for client authentication can bypass the need for a certificate signed by the certificate authority of the organization during authentication on the Control-M/Agent. The Control-M/Agent contains hardcoded certificates which are only trusted as fallback if an empty kdb keystore is used; they are never trusted if a PKCS#12 keystore is used. All of these certificates are now expired. In addition, the Control-M/Agent default kdb and PKCS#12 keystores contain trusted third-party certificates (external recognized CAs and default self-signed demo certificates) which are trusted for client authentication.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-29574
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-29574 is an authentication bypass issue affecting out-of-support versions of Control-M/Agent, specifically versions 9.0.18 to 9.0.20. The vulnerability arises from the use of an empty or default kdb keystore or a default PKCS#12 keystore, allowing a remote attacker to bypass the need for a certificate signed by the organization's certificate authority (CA) during authentication.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.5 (CVSS:4.0)
- Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the potential for significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack complexity is high, but the potential for severe damage is substantial.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Remote Exploitation: An attacker with network access can exploit this vulnerability by using a signed third-party or demo certificate for client authentication.
- Certificate Manipulation: The attacker can leverage the hardcoded certificates in the Control-M/Agent, which are trusted as fallback if an empty kdb keystore is used.
Exploitation Methods:
- Certificate Spoofing: The attacker can present a certificate that is trusted by the default kdb or PKCS#12 keystores, bypassing the need for a CA-signed certificate.
- Fallback Mechanism Abuse: The attacker can exploit the fallback mechanism that trusts hardcoded certificates when an empty kdb keystore is used.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Control-M/Agent versions 9.0.18 to 9.0.20
- Potentially earlier unsupported versions
Vendor:
- BMC
Product:
- Control-M/Agent
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
- Upgrade to Supported Versions: Immediately upgrade to a supported version of Control-M/Agent (e.g., version 9.0.21 or later) that addresses this vulnerability.
- Keystore Management: Ensure that the kdb and PKCS#12 keystores are properly configured and not left empty or with default settings.
- Certificate Management: Regularly update and manage certificates, ensuring that only trusted CA-signed certificates are used for authentication.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit access to the Control-M/Agent, reducing the attack surface.
- Monitoring and Logging: Enhance monitoring and logging to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Control-M/Agent within the European Union, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government. The potential for unauthorized access and data breaches could lead to severe financial and reputational damage. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR could also be compromised, leading to legal repercussions.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- Authentication Bypass: The vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass the authentication mechanism by exploiting the trust placed in default or hardcoded certificates.
- Keystore Configuration: The default kdb and PKCS#12 keystores contain trusted third-party certificates, which can be exploited if not properly configured.
- Hardcoded Certificates: The Control-M/Agent contains hardcoded certificates that are trusted as fallback if an empty kdb keystore is used. These certificates are now expired but still pose a risk if the fallback mechanism is exploited.
Detection and Response:
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to detect unusual authentication attempts or certificate usage.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan specifically for authentication bypass vulnerabilities.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to ensure that keystores and certificates are properly managed and configured.
References:
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their critical assets.