1. Introduction
Visualware MyConnection Server Web Detection refers to the presence of the web-based user interface for Visualware MyConnection Server, a network quality management application. Running this service exposes an attack surface that could allow attackers to gather information about the system. This affects systems running MCS and potentially compromises confidentiality through version disclosure.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability occurs because the web interface allows reading of the server version via a standard HTTP request. An attacker can determine the installed version of MyConnection Server without authentication. There is no known CVE associated with this specific information disclosure, but it could be used as reconnaissance before attempting further exploitation. A simple example would be an attacker using curl to retrieve the version number from the server’s welcome page or headers.
- Root cause: The web interface does not restrict access to version information.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends a standard HTTP request to the MCS web interface and parses the response for version details. For example, curl -I http://target-server/ may reveal the server version in the headers.
- Scope: Affected platforms are those running Visualware MyConnection Server with a publicly accessible web interface. Specific versions have not been identified as being more or less vulnerable; all instances should be considered at risk.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking for the presence of the MCS web interface and identifying its version. A quick check can determine if the service is running, while a thorough method will reveal the specific version number.
- Quick checks: Use netstat -an | grep 80 or ss -tulnp | grep 80 to see if port 80 (or the configured web interface port) is open and listening.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16793 may identify the service, but results should be manually verified.
- Logs and evidence: Web server logs will show requests to the MCS web interface. Look for access patterns indicating version information retrieval attempts.
curl -I http://target-server/4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to restrict access to the MyConnection Server web interface or remove it if not required. If the service must remain accessible, consider implementing additional security measures such as authentication and rate limiting.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access credentials for the MCS web interface or command line configuration tools. A roll back plan involves restoring from the snapshot taken earlier.
- A change window may be needed, depending on the impact of stopping the service and potential user disruption. Approval from the IT security team is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: If possible, disable or remove the web interface component of MyConnection Server. Consult Visualware documentation for specific instructions.
- Step 2: If the web interface must remain enabled, configure authentication to restrict access to authorized users only.
- Step 3: Implement rate limiting on requests to the web interface to mitigate brute-force attempts and information gathering.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No authentication configured for web interface accessAfter
# Authentication enabled, requiring username/password for access. (Configuration details vary by MCS version)4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.
- Practice 1: Least privilege to limit the impact if an attacker gains access to the web interface.
- Practice 2: Input validation on any forms or data entry points within the web interface to prevent attacks such as cross-site scripting.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No automation available without specific MCS configuration tools. Consider using configuration management to enforce authentication settings across multiple servers.5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying that access to the web interface is restricted or requires authentication. Re-test the initial detection method to ensure version information is no longer publicly accessible.
- Post-fix check: Attempt to access the web interface without credentials. The server should return an authentication prompt instead of displaying content.
- Re-test: Run curl -I http://target-server/ again. The response should not reveal the server version number directly.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for failed login attempts or unusual access patterns to detect potential attacks.
curl -I http://target-server/6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.
- Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to require authentication for all web-based interfaces.
- Pipelines: Implement static application security testing (SAST) in CI/CD pipelines to identify potential vulnerabilities such as information disclosure during development.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular review cycle for configuration settings, including access controls on web interfaces.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Enabling authentication may require users to update their workflows. Provide clear communication and training.
- Roll back: Restore the server from the snapshot taken earlier, which will revert any changes made to the web interface configuration.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.myconnectionserver.com