1. Introduction
The WebTitan Default Credentials vulnerability affects systems using the WebTitan web filtering application with the default ‘admin’ account password still in place. This is a critical issue because it allows an unauthenticated attacker to gain privileged access to the WebTitan configuration, potentially compromising network security and user data. Affected systems are typically WebTitan appliances or virtual machines running the WebTitan software. A successful exploit could lead to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web filtering service.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability stems from the use of a hardcoded default password for the ‘admin’ account on WebTitan installations. An attacker can attempt to log in using this known credential without needing any prior authentication. If successful, they gain full administrative control over the WebTitan configuration menu. There is no publicly assigned CVE at the time of writing. A realistic example would be an attacker scanning a network for open SSH ports and then attempting to brute-force or directly use the default ‘admin’ password to access WebTitan instances.
- Root cause: The application ships with a known, unchanged default password for the administrative account.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts login via SSH using the default username (‘admin’) and password. Successful authentication grants full administrative privileges.
- Scope: WebTitan appliances and virtual machines running any version of the WebTitan software where the default credentials have not been changed.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can check if a system is vulnerable by attempting to log in with the default credentials. A quick check involves trying to SSH into the device using ‘admin’ as the username. A more thorough method would be to review the WebTitan logs for failed login attempts with the ‘admin’ account, which could indicate prior probing.
- Quick checks: Attempt an SSH connection using the following credentials: username ‘admin’, password [empty – try leaving it blank].
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16873 may detect this vulnerability as an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Check WebTitan logs for login attempts from external sources targeting the ‘admin’ account. Log locations vary depending on installation type, but typically reside in /var/log/WebTitan/.
ssh admin@<WebTitan_IP_address>4. Solution / Remediation Steps
To fix this issue, you must change the default login credentials for the ‘admin’ account on all WebTitan instances. Follow these steps carefully to avoid service disruption.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped, but plan for a brief interruption during credential change.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log into the WebTitan web interface using the default ‘admin’ credentials.
- Step 2: Navigate to System > Administration > Users.
- Step 3: Select the ‘admin’ user account.
- Step 4: Change the password for the ‘admin’ account to a strong, unique value.
- Step 5: Save the changes and log out of the WebTitan web interface.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Username: admin
Password: <default password>After
Username: admin
Password: <strong, unique password>4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege limits the damage from compromised accounts. Safe defaults ensure systems are configured securely out-of-the-box. A regular patch cadence reduces exposure time for known vulnerabilities.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege principles, limiting access to only necessary users and roles.
- Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies, requiring complex passwords and regular changes.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not recommended for this specific task due to the risk of locking yourself out if incorrectly configured. Manual credential change is preferred.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt an SSH connection using username ‘admin’ and the *new* password. Expected output is a successful login prompt.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick check from section 3, attempting to log in with the default credentials – this should now fail.
- Smoke test: Browse several websites through WebTitan to confirm web filtering policies are still being applied correctly.
ssh admin@<WebTitan_IP_address>6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
- Baselines: Update security baselines to require immediate password changes on all new WebTitan installations.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing the password incorrectly could lock you out of the WebTitan system. Ensure you have a backup or snapshot available for rollback. Service interruption may occur during the credential change process.
- Risk or side effect 1: Incorrectly entered new password can lead to account lockout.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: [No specific vendor advisory available at time of writing, check WebTitan support site]
- NVD or CVE entry: [No specific CVE entry available at time of writing]