CVE-2025-32985: Hardcoded Credentials Threat in NETSCOUT nGeniusONE

Overview

The CVE-2025-32985 vulnerability is a critical security flaw that affects NETSCOUT nGeniusONE versions before 6.4.0 b2350. This vulnerability is associated with hardcoded credentials that can be obtained from JAR files. The flaw allows potential attackers to compromise the system and cause data leakage, thus posing a considerable risk to businesses, particularly those that heavily rely on nGeniusONE for network performance monitoring and data analytics. Given the severity of the flaw, with a CVSS score of 9.8, it is paramount for users to understand the vulnerability and promptly apply mitigation measures.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-32985
Severity: Critical (9.8)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise and potential data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

NETSCOUT nGeniusONE | Before 6.4.0 b2350

How the Exploit Works

The CVE-2025-32985 vulnerability stems from hardcoded credentials within JAR files in NETSCOUT nGeniusONE. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by extracting these hardcoded credentials from the JAR files. Once these credentials are obtained, the attacker can use them to authenticate and gain unauthorized access to the system. The attacker can then perform potentially malicious actions, including system compromise and data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Here is a conceptual example of how the CVE-2025-32985 vulnerability might be exploited:

import java.util.jar.*;
public class ExploitCVE202532985 {
public static void main(String[] args) {
try {
// Load the JAR file
JarFile jarFile = new JarFile("path/to/vulnerable/ngeniusone.jar");
// Extract hardcoded credentials
JarEntry credentialsEntry = jarFile.getJarEntry("hardcoded/credentials/path");
// Use credentials to authenticate and perform malicious actions
} catch (IOException e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}

This code is a simple demonstration of how an attacker might interact with the JAR files to obtain the hardcoded credentials. Note that the actual exploitation process could be more complex and involve additional steps, depending on the system’s configuration and security measures.

Recommended Mitigation Measures

The most effective way to mitigate this vulnerability is by applying the vendor-supplied patch. Users of NETSCOUT nGeniusONE should upgrade to version 6.4.0 b2350 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. If immediate patching is not possible, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as temporary mitigation. These measures can help detect and block potential exploitation attempts.
Remember, maintaining a robust security posture involves proactive measures, including keeping all software and systems up-to-date, adhering to the least privilege principle, and regularly monitoring and auditing system activity.