1. Introduction
HP Client Automation is vulnerable due to default login credentials being set on the web server hosting the application. This allows an attacker with network access to gain control of the application and potentially connected devices. Successful exploitation could lead to a loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems managed by HP Client Automation.
2. Technical Explanation
The remote install of HP Client Automation ships with a default password (‘secret’) for the ‘admin’ account. An attacker can connect to the web interface using these credentials to reconfigure the application and control remote devices. This is an example of weak security defaults.
- Root cause: The installation process does not enforce setting a strong password during setup, resulting in a predictable default credential.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker connects to the HP Client Automation web interface using the ‘admin’ username and ‘secret’ password. From there they can modify settings or execute commands on managed devices.
- Scope: Affected platforms are systems running HP Client Automation installations with default credentials active.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking the application version and verifying the presence of default credentials.
- Quick checks: Access the HP Client Automation web interface login page. Attempt to log in with the username ‘admin’ and password ‘secret’.
- Scanning: Nessus vulnerability ID 168795 can detect this issue. This is an example only, other scanners may also provide detection capabilities.
- Logs and evidence: Examine HP Client Automation logs for successful logins using the ‘admin’ account. Log file locations vary depending on installation settings.
# No command available to confirm exposure directly without attempting login.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution is to set a strong password for the ‘admin’ account.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: Ensure you have access credentials with sufficient privileges to modify the admin account settings. A roll back plan is to restore from the pre-change snapshot if issues occur.
- Change window: This change requires minimal downtime but should be performed during a maintenance window. Approval may be needed by IT security team.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the HP Client Automation web interface using the default credentials (‘admin’ / ‘secret’).
- Step 2: Navigate to the Administration section of the application.
- Step 3: Locate the User Management settings.
- Step 4: Change the password for the ‘admin’ account to a strong, unique password.
- Step 5: Save the changes and log out.
4.3 Config or Code Example
There is no config or code change required; this is a UI-based setting modification.
Before
Password: secretAfter
Password: <your_strong_password>4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
- Least privilege: Restrict access to the HP Client Automation interface to only authorized personnel.
- Safe defaults: Avoid using default credentials for any system or application.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No automation is recommended due to the complexity of interacting with the web UI.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to log in to the HP Client Automation web interface using ‘admin’ and ‘secret’. The login should fail.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick check from section 3; the login attempt with default credentials should now be unsuccessful.
- Monitoring: Monitor HP Client Automation logs for failed login attempts using the ‘admin’ account, which could indicate brute-force attacks.
# No command available to confirm exposure directly without attempting login.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include a requirement for strong passwords on all systems. Implement regular patch cycles.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require changing default credentials during system setup.
- Asset and patch process: Review HP Client Automation configurations regularly to ensure strong passwords are in place.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Incorrect password configuration may lock out administrators. Ensure the new password is documented securely.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: HP Client Automation Default Credentials Vulnerability
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2018-1279