Web Login Bruteforce in Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager 12.1.4023.4080

[audit1 () a2secure com]

We discovered a vulnerability in the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager web application.

Vulnerability Type: Login Bruteforce

Original Release: June 20, 2014

Discovered by: 
        Security Team - A2SECURE
        Artëm Tsvetkov  atsvetkov () a2secure com 
        Sisco Barrera   sbarrera () a2secure com 
        Andrea Bodei    abodei () a2secure com  

Products and affected versions:
        SYMANTEC ENDPOINT PROTECTION MANAGER 12.1.4023.4080

Company: A2SECURE - España
A2Secure Website: http://www.a2secure.com
Vendor Website: http://www.symantec.com 
Application Website: http://www.symantec.com/endpoint-protection 


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Background
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Symantec Endpoint Protection is an endpoint security solution created through a layered approach to defense. With 
unique, layered technology, it detects and removes malware. Derived from Symantec’s global intelligence network, it 
enables faster scan, more accurate detection, and higher performance while utilizing fewer resources. With single 
management console, Symantec Endpoint Protection provides advance protection across multiple platforms both physical 
and virtual.


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Vulnerability Details
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Bruteforce attacks consist in an attacker configuring predetermined values, making requests to a server using those 
values, and then analyzing the response. For the sake of efficiency, an attacker may use a dictionary attack (with or 
without mutations) or a traditional brute-force attack (with given classes of characters e.g.: alphanumerical, special, 
case (in)sensitive). Considering a given method, number of tries, efficiency of the system which conducts the attack, 
and estimated efficiency of the system which is attacked the attacker is able to calculate approximately how long it 
will take to submit all chosen predetermined values. 

Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager web login should implement bruteforce protection, such as one-time tokens, account 
lockout, IP blacklist, or similar.
 

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Proof of Concept
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The user login form does not prevent automated login attempts using a CAPTCHA, and is therefore vulnerable to 
bruteforce attacks.


Domain:         https://localhost:8443
Method:         POST
Path:           /console/apps/sepm
Parameter:      SEPMPasswordField_5454179
Payload:        wordlist of passwords



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Credits / Author
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Artëm Tsvetkov
www.a2secure.com 



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Disclaimer
===========================

All information is provided without warranty. The intent is to provide information to secure infrastructure and/or 
systems, not to be able to attack or damage. Therefore A2Secure shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages 
that might be caused by using this information.