How to remediate – Wyse Device Manager Default FTP Account

1. Introduction

The Wyse Device Manager Default FTP Account vulnerability involves an FTP server using default credentials. This means an attacker could gain unauthorised access to the system, potentially compromising sensitive data and allowing further attacks on applications and the host machine. Systems running Wyse Device Manager are typically affected. A successful exploit could lead to confidentiality loss, integrity compromise, and availability disruption.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because an FTP account is created with a known username/password combination during installation of Wyse Device Manager. An attacker can use these default credentials to authenticate to the FTP server. This allows them access to files and potentially modify configurations, leading to further compromise. There isn’t currently a publicly assigned CVE for this specific issue. A realistic example would be an attacker using a simple FTP client with the default username and password to list directory contents and download configuration files.

• Root cause: Use of weak or default credentials on an installation-created account.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to connect to the FTP server using common default usernames and passwords. If successful, they gain access to the file system.
• Scope: Wyse Device Manager installations are affected. Specific versions were not provided in the context.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can check for this vulnerability by attempting a connection with default credentials or reviewing configuration files. A thorough method involves scanning the system for open FTP ports and testing known default usernames/passwords.

• Quick checks: Check if an FTP service is running on standard port 21 using `netstat -an | grep :21`.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 34896 may identify this vulnerability as an example.
• Logs and evidence: Review FTP server logs for successful logins from unexpected sources or with default credentials. Log file locations vary based on the Wyse Device Manager configuration.

netstat -an | grep :21

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The solution is to change the password associated with the default FTP account. Follow these steps carefully.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have documented the original username and password for roll back purposes. A simple roll back plan is to restore from the pre-change snapshot or backup.
• A change window may be needed depending on your organisation’s policies. Approval from a system owner might also be necessary.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Log in to the Wyse Device Manager administration interface.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the FTP server settings section. The exact location varies depending on your version of Wyse Device Manager.
3. Step 3: Change the password for the default FTP account to a strong, unique value.
4. Step 4: Save the changes and restart the Wyse Device Manager service if required.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Username: wyseadmin
Password: password123

After

Username: wyseadmin
Password: YourStrongNewPassword!

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if an account is compromised. Safe defaults mean avoiding pre-configured accounts with known credentials.

• Practice 1: Implement least privilege principles, limiting access rights for all users and accounts to only what is necessary.
• Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies and regularly rotate passwords.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation may be possible using scripting tools if the Wyse Device Manager interface has an API or command-line options for configuration changes. This is outside of the scope of this document.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by attempting to connect with the old default credentials and verifying that access is denied. Then, test connectivity with the new password.

• Post-fix check: Attempt an FTP connection using the original username and password. You should receive a “Login incorrect” or similar error message.
• Re-test: Re-run the `netstat -an | grep :21` command to confirm the service is still running, then attempt login with default credentials again.
• Smoke test: Verify that authorised users can still access the FTP server using their new credentials and perform expected file operations.
• Monitoring: Monitor FTP server logs for failed login attempts or unexpected activity as an example.

Attempting to connect with default credentials... Connection refused.

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include a check for strong passwords on all system accounts, for example using CIS controls or GPO settings. Include checks in your deployment pipelines to prevent the creation of accounts with default credentials.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline to require strong passwords and regular password changes for all FTP accounts.
• Pipelines: Implement automated checks during deployment to identify and reject configurations using default usernames or passwords.
• Asset and patch process: Review system configurations regularly, at least quarterly, to ensure compliance with security policies.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Existing applications or scripts using the default FTP account may stop working. Mitigate by updating those applications with the new credentials.
• Roll back: 1. Restore the system from the pre-change snapshot or backup. 2. Verify that the original default credentials are working again.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: No specific vendor advisory was provided in the context.
• NVD or CVE entry: No publicly assigned CVE for this issue currently exists.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to the official Wyse Device Manager documentation for instructions on changing FTP server passwords.