CVE-2025-2028: Checkpoint Log Server Information Disclosure

CVE-2025-2028 Overview

CVE-2025-2028 is a certificate validation bypass vulnerability in Check Point Log Server that affects the TLS validation process when downloading a CSV file containing IP-to-country mapping data. This mapping data is used for displaying country flags in log entries. The vulnerability stems from improper certificate validation (CWE-295), which could allow an attacker to intercept or manipulate the downloaded geographic mapping data through a man-in-the-middle attack.

Critical Impact

Attackers positioned on the network path could potentially intercept and modify the IP-to-country mapping data, leading to incorrect geographic information being displayed in security logs.

Affected Products

• Check Point Log Server R81.10
• Check Point Log Server R81.20
• Check Point Log Server R82

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-06 - CVE-2025-2028 published to NVD
• 2025-08-27 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-2028

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents an improper certificate validation issue in the Check Point Log Server's external data retrieval functionality. When the Log Server downloads a CSV file containing IP-to-country mapping information, it fails to properly validate the TLS certificate of the remote server providing this data.

The impact is limited to the integrity of geographic display data in logs. While the vulnerability has a network attack vector with low complexity and requires no privileges or user interaction, its scope is contained to a single system and only affects integrity without compromising confidentiality or availability.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper certificate validation (CWE-295) in the network communication layer responsible for fetching external geographic data. The application does not properly verify that the server certificate presented during the TLS handshake is valid, trusted, and matches the expected host. This oversight allows connections to servers with invalid, self-signed, or mismatched certificates without warning or rejection.

Attack Vector

An attacker would need to be positioned on the network path between the Check Point Log Server and the remote server hosting the IP-to-country mapping CSV file. This could be achieved through:

1. Network-level positioning: Compromising network infrastructure such as routers, switches, or DNS servers to redirect traffic
2. ARP spoofing: Redirecting local network traffic to an attacker-controlled machine
3. DNS hijacking: Manipulating DNS responses to point the legitimate hostname to an attacker-controlled server

Once positioned, the attacker could present their own TLS certificate and serve a modified CSV file containing altered IP-to-country mappings. The Log Server would accept the connection without proper certificate validation and process the malicious data. While the direct impact is limited to incorrect country flag displays in logs, in sophisticated attacks this could potentially be used to mask the true geographic origin of malicious traffic or cause confusion during incident response.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2028

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected changes in IP-to-country mapping data on the Log Server
• TLS connection errors or warnings related to certificate validation in system logs
• Anomalous network traffic patterns when the Log Server attempts to update geographic data
• Discrepancies between displayed country information and actual IP geolocation

Detection Strategies

• Monitor network traffic for TLS connections originating from the Log Server that may be subject to interception
• Implement network-level monitoring for signs of ARP spoofing or DNS hijacking
• Review Log Server logs for any certificate-related warnings or errors
• Compare downloaded mapping files against known-good hashes to detect tampering

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on the Check Point Log Server for network communication activities
• Deploy network intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify potential man-in-the-middle attacks
• Implement DNS security extensions (DNSSEC) to protect against DNS-based attacks
• Use certificate pinning validation at the network perimeter where possible

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2028

Immediate Actions Required

• Review and apply patches from Check Point as outlined in the security advisory
• Ensure network segmentation limits potential attack surfaces for man-in-the-middle attacks
• Audit network infrastructure for signs of compromise that could facilitate interception
• Consider temporarily disabling the country flag display feature if patches cannot be immediately applied

Patch Information

Check Point has released a security advisory addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should review the Check Point Security Advisory (sk183349) for detailed patching instructions and apply the recommended updates to Log Server versions R81.10, R81.20, and R82.

Workarounds

• Implement network-level controls to restrict outbound connections from the Log Server to only trusted endpoints
• Use a local/internal mirror for the IP-to-country mapping CSV file, removing the need for external downloads
• Deploy TLS inspection at the network perimeter to validate certificates for outbound connections
• Consider disabling the country flag feature in logs until patches can be applied

The vulnerability can be addressed by applying the vendor-provided patches. Until patches are applied, network-level mitigations such as restricting outbound connectivity and monitoring for suspicious network activity are recommended. Consult the Check Point security advisory for specific configuration guidance and hotfix installation procedures.