CVE-2019-5456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-5456, a SMTP MITM vulnerability in UniFi <= 5.10.21. Understand the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
SMTP MITM involves an unauthorized individual configuring a proxy server for SMTP between the UniFi Controller version, which is equal to or less than 5.10.21, and the legitimate SMTP server. The purpose of this setup is to collect the SMTP login details in order to exploit them for malicious purposes at a later time.
Understanding CVE-2019-5456
SMTP MITM refers to a malicious actor setting up an SMTP proxy server between the UniFi Controller version <= 5.10.21 and their actual SMTP server to record their SMTP credentials for malicious use later.
What is CVE-2019-5456?
- CVE ID: CVE-2019-5456
- CWE ID: CWE-300 (Man-in-the-Middle)
The Impact of CVE-2019-5456
- Unauthorized collection of SMTP login details
- Potential for malicious exploitation of captured credentials
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5456
Vulnerability Description
- Vulnerability Type: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)
- Attack Vector: SMTP Proxy Server
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: UniFi
- Vendor: UniFi
- Versions Affected: <= 5.10.21
Exploitation Mechanism
- Configuration of unauthorized SMTP proxy server
- Interception of SMTP login details
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update UniFi Controller to a version beyond 5.10.21
- Monitor SMTP traffic for any suspicious activities
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement encryption for SMTP communication
- Regularly review and update security configurations
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by UniFi to address the vulnerability