How to remediate – Western Digital MyCloud Web Interface Detection

1. Introduction

The Western Digital MyCloud web interface detection indicates that the administration panel for a Western Digital MyCloud device is accessible on your network. This presents a potential risk as the interface may be vulnerable to unauthorised access, allowing attackers to modify settings or access stored data. Systems affected are typically those running a Western Digital MyCloud personal cloud storage device with an exposed web management port. A successful attack could lead to data loss, modification, or availability issues.

2. Technical Explanation

Nessus detected the presence of the MyCloud web interface, suggesting it is listening for connections on the network. This does not necessarily indicate a vulnerability but highlights a potential entry point for attackers. The primary risk stems from default credentials or known vulnerabilities within the web interface itself. An attacker could attempt to access the interface using common usernames and passwords, or exploit any unpatched security flaws.

• Root cause: The web administration interface is exposed on the network without sufficient protection.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker would identify the IP address of the MyCloud device and attempt to log in via a web browser using default credentials or known exploits.
• Scope: Western Digital MyCloud devices with an accessible web management interface are affected. Specific versions are not identified by this detection alone.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming the presence of the web interface is the first step in assessing risk. Further investigation is needed to determine if default credentials are still active or if known vulnerabilities exist.

• Quick checks: Access the device’s web interface via a web browser using its IP address. Check for any prompts requesting default usernames and passwords.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138697 can detect the MyCloud Web Interface. Other vulnerability scanners may have similar capabilities, but results should be verified.
• Logs and evidence: Examine firewall logs for connections to port 80 or 443 originating from external sources. Check device logs if accessible for authentication attempts.

ping 

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary remediation is to secure the web interface and limit network exposure.

4.1 Preparation

• No services need to be stopped for this process, but note the IP address of the device. A roll back plan is to restore from backup if necessary.
• Changes should be approved by the IT security team or system owner.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Change the default administrator password for the MyCloud web interface. Use a strong, unique password.
2. Step 2: Enable two-factor authentication (if available) on the MyCloud device.
3. Step 3: Restrict access to the web interface via firewall rules, allowing only trusted IP addresses or networks to connect.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

Default username: admin, Default password: password

After

Username: , Password:  (and 2FA enabled)

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.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access to the web interface to only those who require it.
• Practice 2: Strong passwords – enforce strong, unique passwords for all administrator accounts.
• Practice 3: Network segmentation – isolate sensitive devices like MyCloud from untrusted networks.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is not typically available for this type of device.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by attempting to access the web interface with default credentials and verifying that two-factor authentication is enforced if enabled.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to log in using the old default username and password; access should be denied.
• Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan (plugin ID 138697) to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer detected.
• Monitoring: Check firewall logs for any failed login attempts or unauthorised access attempts to port 80 or 443.

Attempt login via web browser with default credentials - should fail.

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline to include a requirement for strong passwords on all devices.
• Pipelines: Consider incorporating network scanning into your CI/CD pipeline to identify exposed interfaces early in the deployment process.
• Asset and patch process: Regularly review device configurations to ensure they are secure and up-to-date.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

List known risks or service impacts from the change.

• Risk or side effect 1: Incorrect password configuration may lock you out of the device; ensure you have a recovery method.
• Roll back: Restore from backup if necessary, or revert firewall rules to their previous state.

8. References and Resources

Link only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.westerndigital.com