Inadequate Security Practices Expose Key NASA Network to Cyber Attack

MARCH 28, 2011
AUDIT REPORT

OFFICE OF AUDITS

INADEQUATE SECURITY PRACTICES EXPOSE KEY
NASA NETWORK TO CYBER ATTACK

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

REPORT NO. IG-11-017 (ASSIGNMENT NO. A-10-011-00)

Final report released by:

Paul K. Martin
Inspector General

Acronyms

FTP File Transfer Protocol
IP Internet Protocol
IT Information Technology
JPL Jet Propulsion Laboratory
OA Office of Audits
OIG Office of Inspector General
VPN Virtual Private Network

REPORT NO. NO. IG-11-017

MARCH 28, 2011

OVERVIEW

INADEQUATE SECURITY PRACTICES EXPOSE KEY NASA
NETWORK TO CYBER ATTACK

The Issue

NASA relies on a series of computer networks to carry out its various missions, including
controlling spacecraft like the International Space Station and conducting science
missions like the Hubble Telescope. Therefore, it is imperative that NASA protect its
computer networks from cyber attacks that could disrupt operations or result in the loss of
sensitive data. In this audit, we evaluated whether NASA protected information
technology (IT) assets on its Agency-wide mission computer network from Internet-based
cyber attacks. Specifically, we assessed whether NASA adequately protected these IT
assets from Internet-based attacks by regularly assessing risks and identifying and
mitigating vulnerabilities. We also reviewed internal controls as appropriate. Details of
the audit’s scope and methodology are in Appendix A.

Results

We found that computer servers on NASA’s Agency-wide mission network had high-risk
vulnerabilities that were exploitable from the Internet. Specifically, six computer servers
associated with IT assets that control spacecraft and contain critical data had
vulnerabilities that would allow a remote attacker to take control of or render them
unavailable. Moreover, once inside the Agency-wide mission network, the attacker could
use the compromised computers to exploit other weaknesses we identified, a situation
that could severely degrade or cripple NASA’s operations. We also found network servers
that revealed encryption keys, encrypted passwords, and user account information to
potential attackers. These data are sensitive and provide attackers additional ways to gain
unauthorized access to NASA networks. These deficiencies occurred because NASA had
not fully assessed and mitigated risks to its Agency-wide mission network and was slow
to assign responsibility for IT security oversight to ensure the network was adequately
protected. In a May 2010 audit report, we recommended that NASA immediately
establish an IT security oversight program for this key network. 1 However, even though
the Agency concurred with the recommendation it remained unimplemented as of
February 2011. Until NASA addresses these critical deficiencies and improves its IT

1
NASA OIG, “Review of the Information Technology Security of [a NASA Computer Network]”
(IG-10-013, May 13, 2010).

REPORT NO. IG-11-017

OVERVIEW

security practices, the Agency is vulnerable to computer incidents that could have a
severe to catastrophic effect on Agency assets, operations, and personnel.

Management Action

In order to strengthen the Agency’s IT security program, we urge NASA to expedite
implementation of our May 2010 recommendation to establish an IT security oversight
program for NASA’s Agency-wide mission network. We also recommend that NASA
Mission Directorates (1) immediately identify Internet-accessible computers on their
mission networks and take prompt action to mitigate identified risks and (2) continuously
monitor Agency mission networks for Internet-accessible computers and take prompt
action to mitigate identified risks. Finally, to help ensure that all threats and
vulnerabilities to NASA’s IT assets are identified and promptly addressed, we recommend
that NASA’s Chief Information Officer, in conjunction with the Mission Directorates,
conduct an Agency-wide IT security risk assessment.

In response to a draft of this report, the Chief Information Officer and Mission
Directorates concurred with our recommendations. The Chief Information Officer stated
that she will work with the Mission Directorates and Centers to develop a comprehensive
approach to ensure that Internet-accessible computers on NASA’s mission networks are
routinely identified, vulnerabilities are continually evaluated, and risks are promptly
mitigated by September 30, 2011. In addition, the Chief Information Officer said she will
develop and implement a strategy for conducting an Agency-wide risk assessment by
August 31, 2011. The full text of NASA’s comments can be found in Appendix B.

We consider the Chief Information Officer’s proposed actions to be responsive to our
recommendations. Therefore, the recommendations are resolved and will be closed upon
verification that management has completed the corrective actions.

ii REPORT NO. IG-11-017

MARCH 28, 2011

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Background _________________________________________ 1
Objectives __________________________________________ 2

RESULTS
NASA Did Not Adequately Assess and Mitigate Risks to
Its Agency-Wide Mission Computer Network ______________ 3

APPENDIX A
Scope and Methodology ________________________________ 9
Review of Internal Controls ____________________________ 10
Prior Coverage ______________________________________ 10

APPENDIX B
Management Comments ______________________________ 12

APPENDIX C
Report Distribution ___________________________________ 16

REPORT NO. IG-11-017

Inadequate Security Practices Expose Key NASA Network to Cyber Attack

MARCH 28, 2011

INTRODUCTION

Background

The threat to NASA’s computer networks from Internet-based intrusions is tangible and
expanding in both scope and frequency. For example, in May 2009 NASA notified the
Office of Inspector General (OIG) of a suspicious computer connection from a system
that supports Agency space operations and space exploration activities. The subsequent
OIG investigation confirmed that cybercriminals had infected a computer system that
supports one of NASA’s mission networks. Due to the inadequate security configurations
on the system, the infection caused the computer system to make over 3,000 unauthorized
connections to domestic and international Internet protocol (IP) addresses including
addresses in China, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Estonia. 2 In another cyber attack
in January 2009, cybercriminals stole 22 gigabytes of export-restricted data from a Jet
Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) computer system. The sophistication of both of these
Internet-based intrusions confirms that they were focused and sustained efforts to target
assets on NASA’s mission computer networks.

NASA’s Agency-wide mission network is widely distributed throughout the United
States and hosts more than 190 IT systems and projects run by the Agency’s Mission
Directorates and JPL. Included in these 190 IT assets are computer systems and projects
that control the Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Shuttle, the International Space
Station, the Cassini and Lunar Reconnaissance orbiters, and several ground stations and
mission control centers. These IT systems and projects, categorized as moderate- and
high-impact, control spacecraft, collect and process scientific data, and perform other
critical Agency functions. 3 Consequently, a security breach of one of these systems or
projects could have a severe to catastrophic adverse effect on NASA operations, assets, or
personnel.

In order to communicate and share information with external parties, NASA’s Agency-
wide mission network is connected to the Internet. NASA uses firewall technology to
control access to the network. A firewall is a set of IT resources that separate and protect
computer systems and data on an organization’s internal networks from unauthorized

2
An IP address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device (such as a computer or printer)
connected to a network that uses the Internet protocol to communicate. An information technology
system is a discrete set of information resources organized for the collection, processing, maintenance,
use, sharing, dissemination, or disposition of information.
3
In a moderate-impact system, the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability could be expected to
have a serious adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. In a
high-impact system, such a loss could be expected to have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect.

REPORT NO. IG-11-017 1

INTRODUCTION

access from an external network, such as the Internet. Specifically, firewalls inspect
incoming network traffic and permit or deny requests for access according to an
organization’s security policy.

Firewalls are only as effective as the rules that security personnel define for them. For
example, firewall rules that allow unrestricted access from the Internet to computers on
an organization’s internal networks are pathways attackers can use to identify and exploit
vulnerabilities on these networks. Accordingly, as part of an enterprise-wide IT security
risk assessment, organizations should identify and prioritize the mitigation of
vulnerabilities that can be exploited from the Internet. This is especially important when
these vulnerabilities are associated with moderate- or high-impact systems because a
system breach could severely degrade or even cripple an organization’s ability to operate.
Typically, organizations assess their network security posture from within the confines of
their own organizational networks and therefore do not always identify computers that are
exploitable from the Internet. Computer hackers, however, assess and evaluate potential
targets from the outside. Thus, computers that are accessible from the Internet are prime
targets for exploitation and are highly sought after by hackers.

Objectives

We reviewed the firewalls and related computer networking devices that control the flow
of network traffic between the Internet and systems on NASA’s Agency-wide mission
network to determine whether they are effectively configured to protect NASA IT
resources from Internet-based threats. We also reviewed internal controls as appropriate.
See Appendix A for details of the audit’s scope and methodology.

2 REPORT NO. IG-11-017

RESULTS

NASA DID NOT ADEQUATELY ASSESS AND
MITIGATE RISKS TO ITS AGENCY-WIDE
MISSION COMPUTER NETWORK

We performed vulnerability tests on computer servers connected to NASA’s Agency-
wide mission computer network and found six servers that were exploitable from the
Internet. These servers were associated with IT projects that control spacecraft or
contain critical NASA data. In addition to servers with high-risk vulnerabilities, we
also found servers that exposed encryption keys, encrypted passwords, and user
account information. These data are sensitive and provide attackers additional ways
to gain unauthorized access to NASA computer networks. These deficiencies
occurred because NASA had not fully assessed and mitigated risks to the network
and had not assigned responsibility for IT security oversight to ensure the network
was adequately protected. A security breach of a moderate- or high-impact system or
project on this key network could severely disrupt NASA operations or result in the
loss of sensitive data.

Computers on NASA’s Agency-wide Mission Network Could Be
Exploited from the Internet

NASA computers that are accessible from the Internet are prime targets for exploitation
and thus are highly sought after by hackers. To determine the extent to which NASA’s
Agency-wide mission network was vulnerable to a cyber attack, we first conducted a test
to probe the network for Internet-accessible computers. 4 The test included all IP
addresses assigned to the more than 190 IT systems and projects on this network – more
than 176,000 in total. At the time of our test, we found that NASA’s Agency-wide
mission network had 54 Internet-accessible computer servers associated with 8 IT
projects. These servers were associated with moderate- and high-impact NASA IT
projects used to control spacecraft or process critical data.

We contacted the owner of each project and found that two of the eight projects were
scheduled for termination and were disposed of during the audit. 5 We performed
vulnerability tests on the six remaining projects to determine if they included computers
with high-risk vulnerabilities. Specifically, we used NESSUS®, a network vulnerability
scanner, to test each computer for vulnerabilities such as running outdated or unpatched

4
We used Nmap, a widely used software program, to identify Internet-accessible computers. Nmap
discovers what hosts (computers) are present on a network and what services (applications such as e-mail
or file sharing) those hosts are offering.
5
Disposal means that all computer hardware related to the project was removed from the network and
retired.


RESULTS

software or offering network services that have known security weaknesses. NESSUS®
ranks vulnerabilities as high, medium, or low based on their potential to harm the system.

One of the IT projects we reviewed had an Internet-accessible server that was susceptible
to a file transfer protocol (FTP) bounce attack – a highly effective form of cyber attack,
widely known since 1998. 6 As shown in Figure 1 below, in an FTP bounce attack the
attacker connects to and exploits a software flaw in the FTP server (1 and 3). Next, the
attacker uses the FTP server as a middle-man to discreetly scan computers positioned
behind the firewall for vulnerabilities (2). The scan results are relayed from the FTP
server back through the firewall to the attacker (4), and the attacker uses the scan results
to exploit other computers on the network, disrupt operations, or steal data.

Figure 1: Attacker Exploits Vulnerability to Disrupt NASA Operations or Steal Data

Table 1 shows the results of our vulnerability tests for the six NASA projects we
evaluated. Specifically, it shows the number of Internet-accessible servers with high-risk
vulnerabilities and the total number of servers with high-risk vulnerabilities. We also
detected medium- and low-risk vulnerabilities and immediately provided the complete
results of our tests to NASA IT security staff. NASA has since remediated all the high-
risk vulnerabilities we detected. As the table shows, three of the projects and six
computer servers had high-risk vulnerabilities that could allow an Internet-based attacker
to take control of the computers or render them unavailable. We also found high-risk
vulnerabilities on other computers that were part of these six projects.

6
File transfer protocol is a network protocol commonly used on the Internet to copy files from one
computer to another. An FTP bounce attack exploits the FTP protocol when an attacker is able to use the
PORT command to request access to ports indirectly through the use of the victim machine as a middle-
man for the request.


RESULTS

Table 1. Vulnerability Assessment Results
Number of Internet- Number of Servers with
Accessible Servers with High-Risk
Project High-Risk Vulnerabilities Vulnerabilities
1 0 2
2 0 0
3 0 2
4 2 2
5 3 5
6 1 1
Total 6 12

Once an attacker has exploited a vulnerability on an Internet-accessible computer, the
attacker could use the compromised computer as a means to exploit vulnerabilities on
other mission network computers. For example, had the bounce attack vulnerability been
exploited, a cybercriminal could have significantly disrupted NASA’s space flight
operations and stolen sensitive data.

Problems with Server Configurations Exposed Sensitive Data

We also found that servers associated with the six projects we reviewed were not securely
configured and, as a result, sensitive data such as encryption keys, encrypted passwords,
and user account lists were exposed to potential attackers. These data are sensitive and
can be used to gain unauthorized access to NASA’s Agency-wide mission network. For
example, an attacker can use encryption keys to bypass security controls and remotely
access a mission network server. 7 Although encrypting passwords prevents the true
password from being disclosed in a legible form, an attacker can use one of the many
tools available on the Internet to decipher the password through a technique called brute-
forcing. 8 After cracking the password, the attacker can then bypass the login mechanism
on the related server’s password-protected website and gain access to NASA’s Agency-
wide mission network. Finally, one server we reviewed disclosed sensitive account data
for all its authorized users. This information could be used by attackers for phishing or
sending Agency personnel e-mails containing malicious code to their official NASA
e-mail accounts. When the recipient accessed the e-mail, their computer and any
sensitive data on it could be compromised.

7
The encryption keys are files used as part of the authentication process for tunneling into an internal
network using a VPN (virtual private network) to remotely administer computer servers in the network.
8
Brute-force password cracking is a technique that involves an automated script or program that attempts
every possible password combination or uses a dictionary of words until the encrypted password is
discovered.


RESULTS

NASA Needs to Conduct an Agency-Wide IT Security Risk
Assessment

Although NASA regularly conducts risk assessments of individual IT systems, the
Agency has never completed an Agency-wide risk assessment for its portfolio of IT
assets. Agency-wide risk assessments are important because they help ensure that all
threats and vulnerabilities are identified and that the greatest risks are promptly
addressed. In our judgment, the deficiencies noted above occurred because NASA
(1) was unaware of critical risks to its Agency-wide mission network that a
comprehensive risk assessment would have brought to light and (2) had not implemented
an agreed-upon recommendation to establish an IT security oversight program to ensure
that Agency mission networks were adequately protected. As a result, NASA’s Agency-
wide mission network was vulnerable to a variety of cyber attacks with the potential for
devastating adverse effects on the mission operations the network supports. Until NASA
improves its IT security practices by completing a comprehensive IT security risk
assessment and implementing our previous recommendation to establish an IT security
oversight program, the Agency is vulnerable to computer incidents that could have a
severe to catastrophic adverse effect on Agency assets, operations, or personnel.

Recommendations, Management’s Response, and Evaluation of
Management’s Response

To strengthen the Agency’s IT security program, we urged NASA to expedite
implementation of our May 2010 recommendation to establish an IT security oversight
program for NASA’s Agency-wide mission network. We also recommended that NASA
Mission Directorates take the following actions:

Recommendation 1. Immediately identify Internet-accessible computers on their mission
computer networks and take prompt action to mitigate identified risks.

Recommendation 2. Add as a security control continuous monitoring of their mission
computer networks for Internet-accessible computers and take prompt action to mitigate
identified risks.

Management’s Response. The NASA CIO and Mission Directorates combined
Recommendations 1 and 2 and stated that by September 30, 2011, the CIO will work with
the Mission Directorates and Centers to develop a comprehensive approach to ensure that
Internet-accessible computers on NASA’s mission networks are routinely identified,
vulnerabilities are continually evaluated, and risks are promptly mitigated. NASA’s
proposed corrective action is an Agency-wide solution and will include analyses of the
root cause or causes underlying the findings in this and prior audits; identification of
short-term steps that NASA will take to address the audit findings; identification of long-
term initiatives to address any identified root cause; and identification of the costs and


RESULTS

resources, tools, procedures, and oversight needed to implement the plan, along with
specific milestones and assignments of responsibility and methods for accountability.

Evaluation of Management’s Response. We consider the CIO and Mission Directorate
proposed actions to be responsive to our recommendations. Further, we commend NASA
for extending the corrective actions beyond NASA’s mission networks. The
recommendations are resolved and will be closed upon verification that the proposed
actions have been completed.

The CIO also requested that we reevaluate the security of Internet-accessible computers
on NASA’s mission networks within 1 year of the development of NASA’s remediation
plan. We agreed and plan to perform a vulnerability assessment of NASA’s mission
networks in October 2012 to evaluate the security status of the Agency’s Internet-
accessible computers.

Finally, we recommended that NASA’s Chief Information Officer in conjunction with the
Mission Directorates:

Recommendation 3. Conduct an Agency-wide IT security risk assessment of NASA’s
mission-related networks and systems in accordance with Federal guidelines and industry
best practices.

Management’s Response. The CIO and Mission Directorates concurred with our
recommendation, stating that NASA will develop and implement a strategy for
conducting such a risk assessment with the goals of (1) providing an overall view of the
Agency’s information security risk posture and effectiveness of ongoing information
security initiatives, particularly on NASA’s mission-related networks and systems, and
(2) producing actionable recommendations for improving information security, prioritized
by level of risk to the Agency, by August 31, 2011.

Evaluation of Management’s Response. We consider the proposed actions to be
responsive to our recommendation. Therefore, the recommendation is resolved and will
be closed upon verification that the proposed actions have been completed.


APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A

Scope and Methodology

We performed our audit from July through February 2011 in accordance with generally
accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform our work to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis
for our findings and conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that the
evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on
our audit objectives.

To evaluate processes NASA used to control the flow of network traffic between the
Internet and systems on NASA’s Agency-wide mission network, we inspected
configurations of the firewalls and network gears that control network traffic between the
Internet and agency-wide mission network.

To identify Internet-accessible servers on 100 percent of the Agency-wide mission
network, we used Nmap, a widely used software program, that can be used to discover IT
assets that are accessible from the Internet. Based on the results of Nmap scans, we
identified eight mission projects (two of which were decommissioned prior to the
completion of our audit fieldwork) that had computer servers that were accessible from
the Internet. We selected these projects for detailed review.

Specifically, we assessed whether NASA has effective processes in place to
• protect internal IT assets from external threats,
• resume post-disaster operations, and
• identify and remediate technical vulnerabilities.

We interviewed NASA and contractor staff responsible for the different areas for each
project reviewed. We evaluated processes, controls, and tools they used to secure their IT
mission assets and mitigate risk. We conducted vulnerability assessments on each of the
six IT projects identified to assess NASA’s ability to mitigate technical vulnerabilities.
Additionally, we inspected and validated the configurations of the devices that control the
flow of network traffic between the Internet and NASA’s mission projects against
NASA’s recommended configurations.

To evaluate processes NASA used for contingency planning for the Agency-wide mission
network, we assessed whether there are effective processes in place to not only restore the
network following a disruption but also to maintain network operations throughout the
occurrence of a disaster. We also developed questionnaires to interview NASA and


APPENDIX A

contractor staff responsible for the restoration of the Agency-wide mission network. We
inspected the contingency plans and contingency plan tests for the Agency-wide mission
network.

Use of Computer-Processed Data. We relied on data produced from a software
program to perform discovery scans on the Agency-wide mission network. We used
Nmap, a widely accepted open source port scanner, to determine what hosts (computers)
are active and which ports on these computers are open or may be open and available on a
given network and what services and applications those hosts are offering. We validated
the data produced by Nmap by manually connecting to the hosts identified by Nmap as
open.

We also relied on data produced from a software program to perform vulnerability tests
on samples of mission projects connected to the Agency-wide mission network. We used
NESSUS®, a commercial network-based vulnerability scanner, to test computers for
technical vulnerabilities. We did not validate the data produced by NESSUS® because
NESSUS® is widely accepted as a reliable source for providing information related to the
presence of technical vulnerabilities in information systems.

Review of Internal Controls

We reviewed internal controls related to the flow of network traffic between the Internet
and systems on NASA’s Agency-wide mission network and contingency planning audit
objectives. These included determining whether NASA has policies and procedures in
place for performing risk assessments, configuration and vulnerability management, and
contingency planning.

Prior Coverage

During the last 5 years, the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) have issued two reports of particular relevance to the
subject of this report. Unrestricted reports can be accessed over the Internet at
http://oig.nasa.gov/audits/reports/FY11 (NASA OIG) and http://www.gao.gov (GAO).

NASA Office of Inspector General

“Review of the Information Technology Security of [a NASA Computer Network]”
(IG-10-013, May 13, 2010).


APPENDIX A

Government Accountability Office

“NASA Needs to Remedy Vulnerabilities in Key Networks” (GAO-10-4, October 15,
2009)


APPENDIX B

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS


APPENDIX B


APPENDIX C

REPORT DISTRIBUTION

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Administrator
Deputy Administrator
Chief of Staff
Chief Information Officer
Associate Administrator Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
Associate Administrator Science Mission Directorate
Associate Administrator Exploration Systems Mission Directorate
Associate Administrator Space Operations Mission Directorate

Non-NASA Organizations and Individuals

Office of Management and Budget
Deputy Associate Director, Energy and Science Division
Branch Chief, Science and Space Programs Branch
Government Accountability Office
Director, NASA Financial Management, Office of Financial Management and
Assurance
Director, NASA Issues, Office of Acquisition and Sourcing Management

Congressional Committees and Subcommittees, Chairman and
Ranking Member

Senate Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Subcommittee on Science and Space
Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
House Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management
House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight
Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics


Major Contributors to the Report:
Wen Song, Director, Information Technology Directorate
Jefferson Gilkeson, Project Manager
Eric Jeanmaire, Auditor
Morgan Reynolds, Auditor


MARCH 28, 2011
REPORT No. IG-11-017

OFFICE OF AUDITS

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

ADDITIONAL COPIES
Visit http://oig.nasa.gov/audits/reports/FY11/ to obtain additional copies of this report, or contact the
Assistant Inspector General for Audits at 202-358-1232.

COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT
In order to help us improve the quality of our products, if you wish to comment on the quality or
usefulness of this report, please send your comments to Mr. Laurence Hawkins, Audit Operations
and Quality Assurance Director, at Laurence.B.Hawkins@nasa.gov or call 202-358-1543.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AUDITS
To suggest ideas for or to request future audits, contact the Assistant Inspector General for Audits.
Ideas and requests can also be mailed to:
Assistant Inspector General for Audits
NASA Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001

NASA HOTLINE
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800-535-8134 (TDD). You may also write to the NASA Inspector General, P.O. Box 23089, L’Enfant
Plaza Station, Washington, DC 20026, or use http://oig.nasa.gov/hotline.html#form. The identity of
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