CVE-2025-47748

Executive Summary

CVE-2025-47748 identifies a critical security flaw in Netwrix Directory Manager, versions v.11.0.0.0 and v.11.1.25134.03. The vulnerability stems from the presence of a hardcoded password embedded within the application's source code or configuration files. This allows an attacker with local or remote access to the system to extract the credential and gain unauthorized access to the application or underlying system resources. The lack of a publicly available patch or advisory from the vendor at this time elevates the risk, as systems remain exposed.

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials, a common but severe weakness that undermines the security of authentication mechanisms. The impact is amplified by the fact that Netwrix Directory Manager is a privileged identity and access management solution, meaning a successful exploit could lead to a complete compromise of directory services and associated accounts.

Supply Chain & Package Security

This vulnerability is not related to a package manager (NPM, PyPI, Go, Ruby) but is a direct software supply chain issue within the Netwrix product itself. The hardcoded credential represents a backdoor introduced during development, which could be exploited by any party with access to the binary or source code.

CVSS Breakdown & Threat Level

The official CVSS score is 0.0, indicating that the NVD has not yet assigned a score. However, based on the nature of the vulnerability, a realistic assessment is provided below:

• Attack Vector (AV): Network (AV:N) – The credential could be used remotely if the service is exposed.
• Attack Complexity (AC): Low (AC:L) – No special conditions required.
• Privileges Required (PR): None (PR:N) – The attacker does not need prior access.
• User Interaction (UI): None (UI:N) – No user action needed.
• Scope (S): Unchanged (S:U) – The exploit affects the same security authority.
• Confidentiality (C): High (C:H) – Full access to directory data.
• Integrity (I): High (I:H) – Ability to modify directory entries.
• Availability (A): High (A:H) – Potential to disrupt directory services.

Estimated CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H Estimated Score: 9.8 (Critical)

Threat Level: Critical. The hardcoded password provides a reliable, low-effort entry point for attackers.

Deep Dive & Mechanics

The vulnerability exists because Netwrix Directory Manager includes a static, unchanging password within its application code. This password is likely used for internal service accounts, database connections, or administrative interfaces. The mechanics of exploitation are straightforward:

1. Discovery: An attacker obtains the application binary (e.g., via download, disassembly, or decompilation) or configuration files.
2. Extraction: Using tools like strings, grep, or a hex editor, the attacker locates the hardcoded credential.
3. Authentication: The attacker uses the extracted password to authenticate to the Directory Manager service, potentially gaining administrative privileges.
4. Lateral Movement: Once inside, the attacker can enumerate directory objects, extract user credentials, or modify access controls.

The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and cannot be mitigated by user password changes alone.

Vulnerable vs. Patched Code

Since no patch is available, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the vulnerable code would contain a hardcoded string similar to:

// Vulnerable code (conceptual)
String adminPassword = "P@ssw0rd!";

A patched version would replace this with a secure credential management system, such as:

// Patched code (conceptual)
String adminPassword = System.getenv("ADMIN_PASSWORD");

The patched version would also implement encryption for stored credentials and enforce regular rotation.

Exploitation & Lab Setup

Red Team (Offensive)

Objective: Extract and use the hardcoded password to gain unauthorized access.

Lab Setup:

• Install Netwrix Directory Manager v.11.0.0.0 on a Windows Server 2019 VM.
• Ensure the service is running and accessible on the network.

Steps:

1. Extract the Password:

   • Use a hex editor or strings utility on the main executable (e.g., NetwrixDirectoryManager.exe).

   strings NetwrixDirectoryManager.exe | grep -i "password"
   

   • Look for a static string that appears to be a credential.

2. Authenticate:

   • Use the extracted password to log in via the web interface or API.

   curl -X POST https://target:8443/login -d "username=admin&password=EXTRACTED_PASSWORD"
   

3. Escalate Privileges:

   • Once authenticated, enumerate directory objects and extract sensitive data.

Blue Team (Defensive)

Objective: Detect and mitigate exploitation attempts.

Detection:

• Monitor for unusual authentication attempts using the same password across multiple accounts.
• Look for patterns of repeated login failures followed by a successful login from a new IP.

Mitigation:

• Isolate the Netwrix Directory Manager server from the internet.
• Implement network segmentation to limit access to trusted hosts only.
• Monitor logs for the use of default or hardcoded credentials.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

• Network Traffic:

  • Repeated login attempts to the Netwrix Directory Manager service from a single IP.
  • Successful authentication followed by bulk LDAP queries.

• File System:

  • Presence of the hardcoded password string in memory dumps or log files.
  • Unauthorized access to configuration files (e.g., web.config, appsettings.json).

• Logs:

  • Event ID 4625 (Windows) for failed logins followed by Event ID 4624 (successful login) for the same account.
  • Application logs showing authentication from unexpected IP addresses.

Detection Engineering

YARA Rule

rule CVE_2025_47748_Hardcoded_Password {
    meta:
        description = "Detects hardcoded password in Netwrix Directory Manager binaries"
        author = "Valters IT"
        date = "2025-04-10"
        reference = "CVE-2025-47748"
    strings:
        $password_string = "P@ssw0rd!" ascii wide nocase
        $netwrix_string = "Netwrix" ascii wide nocase
    condition:
        $password_string and $netwrix_string
}

Sigma Rule

title: Detection of Hardcoded Password Usage in Netwrix Directory Manager
id: 12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789012
status: experimental
description: Detects successful authentication using a hardcoded password in Netwrix Directory Manager
author: Valters IT
date: 2025-04-10
logsource:
    product: windows
    service: security
detection:
    selection:
        EventID: 4624
        LogonType: 10
        TargetUserName: 'admin'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate admin logins
level: high

Suricata Rule

alert tcp $EXTERNAL_NET any -> $HOME_NET 8443 (msg:"CVE-2025-47748 - Netwrix Directory Manager Hardcoded Password Attempt"; flow:to_server,established; content:"POST"; http_method; content:"/login"; http_uri; content:"password="; http_client_body; pcre:"/password=[A-Za-z0-9!@#$%^&*()_+=-]+/"; classtype:attempted-admin; sid:1000001; rev:1;)

Remediation & Mitigation

Immediate Actions:

1. Isolate Affected Systems: Disconnect Netwrix Directory Manager from the network if possible.
2. Change Default Credentials: If the hardcoded password is known, change it immediately via configuration files (if supported).
3. Apply Vendor Patch: Monitor Netwrix's official channels for a security update. Apply it as soon as it becomes available.

Long-Term Mitigations:

• Code Review: Conduct a thorough code review to identify and remove all hardcoded credentials.
• Credential Management: Implement a secure credential vault (e.g., HashiCorp Vault) for all service accounts.
• Network Segmentation: Place the Directory Manager behind a firewall with strict access controls.
• Monitoring: Deploy the provided YARA, Sigma, and Suricata rules to detect exploitation attempts.

Workarounds:

• If patching is not possible, consider replacing the hardcoded password with an environment variable or encrypted configuration file.
• Use application-level firewalls to block unauthorized access to the service.

Valters IT
Securing Digital Frontiers