Incident: Hillary Clinton's Private Email Server Vulnerable to Hacking.

Published Date: 2015-10-13

Postmortem Analysis
Timeline 1. The software failure incident involving Hillary Clinton's private email server happened in 2012 [52322].
System 1. Microsoft remote desktop service 2. Virtual Network Computing software 3. Remote-access software without proper protections 4. Software necessary to publish websites on Clinton's email server 5. Out-of-the-box installation of remote desktop software 6. Exposed server ports 7. Lack of encryption tunnels for remote-control programs [52322]
Responsible Organization 1. The individual(s) responsible for setting up and maintaining Hillary Clinton's private email server, including her technology adviser Bryan Pagliano, who declined to answer questions about his work [52322].
Impacted Organization 1. The State Department officials were impacted by the software failure incident as they had outlawed the use of remote-access software for maintaining unclassified servers without a waiver, and banned all instances of remotely connecting to classified servers or servers located overseas [52322]. 2. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology was impacted as it had warned in 2008 that exposed server ports were security risks and recommended using remote-control programs only in conjunction with encryption tunnels [52322].
Software Causes 1. The private email server running in Hillary Clinton's home basement was connected to the internet in ways that made it more vulnerable to hackers due to the use of Microsoft remote desktop service without additional protective measures [52322]. 2. The server allowed users to connect openly over the internet to control it remotely, exposing it to potential attacks from even low-skilled intruders [52322]. 3. The server operated software necessary to publish websites, which could have introduced additional vulnerabilities [52322]. 4. The server had open ports on three devices, including the email system, which could have provided entry points for attackers [52322]. 5. The server was found to violate basic network-perimeter security tenets by exposing insecure services to the internet [52322].
Non-software Causes 1. Lack of proper understanding of cybersecurity risks and best practices, leading to choosing convenience over security or failing to understand the risks [52322]. 2. Failure to adhere to basic network-perimeter security tenets, such as not exposing insecure services to the internet [52322]. 3. Use of remote-access software without necessary protections, such as encrypted connections through a virtual private network (VPN) [52322]. 4. Operating unnecessary software on the server, which could potentially create vulnerabilities for exploitation by hackers [52322]. 5. Failure to follow security practices of shutting off all unnecessary functions on the server to prevent exploitation of design flaws [52322].
Impacts 1. The software failure incident involving Hillary Clinton's private email server potentially exposed sensitive information to hackers, as some emails on the server were later deemed top secret and others contained confidential or sensitive information [52322]. 2. The incident raised concerns about national security, with President Barack Obama acknowledging it as a mistake and the FBI conducting a review of the server for evidence of hacking [52322]. 3. The software failure incident led to criticism of the security measures in place, with experts highlighting vulnerabilities in the server setup, such as allowing remote-access connections directly over the internet without proper protections [52322]. 4. The incident violated basic network-perimeter security principles, as Clinton's server exposed insecure services to the internet, potentially making it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities [52322]. 5. The software failure incident highlighted the risks of running unnecessary functions on a server, as Clinton's email server was found to be operating software necessary to publish websites, even though it was not being used for that purpose [52322].
Preventions 1. Implementing additional protective measures for the Microsoft remote desktop service used on Clinton's server, as it wasn't intended for open internet connections without such measures [52322]. 2. Applying security updates regularly to the server software to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential attacks [52322]. 3. Configuring the server to only allow remote access through encrypted connections like a virtual private network (VPN) to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access [52322]. 4. Following basic network-perimeter security tenets by not exposing insecure services to the internet, as Clinton's server did [52322]. 5. Disabling unnecessary functions on the server to prevent hackers from exploiting design flaws in those functions [52322]. 6. Using strong passwords and implementing measures to prevent brute-force attacks on the server [52322].
Fixes 1. Implement additional protective measures for the Microsoft remote desktop service used on Clinton's server to prevent unauthorized remote access [52322]. 2. Regularly apply security updates and patches to the server software to address known vulnerabilities [52322]. 3. Configure the server to only allow remote access through encrypted connections, such as a virtual private network (VPN), to enhance security [52322]. 4. Follow best practices by shutting off all unnecessary functions on the server to prevent hackers from exploiting design flaws [52322]. 5. Ensure that strong passwords are used to prevent brute-force attacks on the server [52322].
References 1. Data and documents reviewed by the Associated Press [52322] 2. Records compiled in 2012 3. Expert opinions 4. Internet "census" by an anonymous hacker-researcher 5. Statements from Clinton's spokesman, Brian Fallon 6. Statements from cybersecurity experts like Marc Maiffret and Justin Harvey 7. US government warnings and reports, including from the Homeland Security Department and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology 8. Findings from cybersecurity firms like F-Secure and Fidelis Cybersecurity

Software Taxonomy of Faults

Category Option Rationale
Recurring multiple_organization (a) The software failure incident related to the vulnerability of a private email server connected to the internet, as seen in the case of Hillary Clinton's server, has not been explicitly mentioned to have happened again within the same organization or with its products and services [52322]. (b) The articles mention that the software failure incident involving the vulnerability of remote-access software and exposed server ports has been a known issue in the cybersecurity realm. The State Department had outlawed the use of remote-access software for its technology officials in 2012, indicating a broader concern beyond just one organization [52322]. Additionally, the software vulnerabilities and risks associated with remote-access software were highlighted by cybersecurity experts, indicating that similar incidents could potentially occur at other organizations or with their products and services [52322].
Phase (Design/Operation) design, operation (a) The software failure incident related to the design phase is evident in the setup of Hillary Clinton's private email server. The server was configured in a way that made it more vulnerable to hackers, with open ports accessible from the internet and lacking proper protective measures for remote access control [52322]. (b) The software failure incident related to the operation phase is highlighted by the use of remote-access software that allowed users to control Clinton's server directly over the internet without proper encryption or VPN protection. This operational practice exposed the server to security risks and potential exploitation by hackers [52322].
Boundary (Internal/External) within_system, outside_system (a) within_system: - The software failure incident related to Hillary Clinton's private email server was primarily due to factors originating from within the system itself. The server was found to have vulnerabilities such as allowing remote connections over the internet without proper protective measures, running software with security flaws, and exposing insecure services to the internet [52322]. (b) outside_system: - The software failure incident also involved contributing factors that originated from outside the system. An anonymous hacker-researcher scanned Clinton's server from Serbia, indicating external attempts to access the system. Additionally, there were warnings from the government and security firms about the risks of allowing remote access to the server, highlighting external threats to the system [52322].
Nature (Human/Non-human) non-human_actions, human_actions (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - The software failure incident in the article was primarily due to vulnerabilities in the setup and configuration of the private email server used by Hillary Clinton. The server was found to have open ports accessible from the internet, allowing remote access without proper protective measures [52322]. - The server was scanned by an anonymous hacker-researcher in 2012, who identified security vulnerabilities in the system, such as accepting commands directly from the internet without encryption or VPN protection [52322]. - The software used on the server was known to be vulnerable to brute-force attacks and could reveal sensitive details about the server, making it an easy target for hackers with low skill levels [52322]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - Human actions played a significant role in the software failure incident as well. Hillary Clinton's decision to operate a private email server in her home basement, without adequate security measures, contributed to the vulnerability of the system [52322]. - Clinton's technology adviser, Bryan Pagliano, who was responsible for setting up and maintaining the server, declined to answer questions about his work, invoking the fifth amendment protection against self-incrimination [52322]. - The article mentions that the setup of Clinton's server violated basic network-perimeter security tenets, indicating a lack of understanding or prioritization of security measures by those responsible for configuring the system [52322].
Dimension (Hardware/Software) hardware, software (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - The private email server running in Hillary Clinton’s home basement was connected to the internet in ways that made it more vulnerable to hackers due to hardware-related factors. The server allowed users to connect openly over the internet to control it remotely, which exposed it to potential security risks [52322]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - The software failure incident in this case was primarily due to contributing factors that originated in software. The server running Microsoft's server software was set up in a way that allowed remote access directly from the internet without proper protections, making it vulnerable to attacks and exploitation of software vulnerabilities [52322].
Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) malicious (a) The software failure incident related to the private email server used by Hillary Clinton during her time as secretary of state can be categorized as malicious. The server was found to have vulnerabilities that made it more susceptible to hacking, with experts noting that the setup allowed users to connect openly over the internet to control it remotely without proper protective measures [52322]. Additionally, the server was scanned by an anonymous hacker-researcher in 2012, who identified vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers with low skill levels, such as through brute-force attacks or tricking the software into revealing sensitive details about the server [52322]. (b) The software failure incident cannot be categorized as non-malicious as the vulnerabilities in the server's setup and configuration were identified as posing serious security risks, potentially allowing hackers to run malicious software on the machine or deploy back doors for unauthorized access [52322].
Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) poor_decisions (a) The software failure incident related to Hillary Clinton's private email server can be attributed to poor decisions. The server was found to be connected to the internet in ways that made it vulnerable to hackers, allowing users to connect openly over the internet to control it remotely without additional protective measures. This setup was deemed amateurish and not in line with real enterprise-class security practices [52322]. Additionally, the server violated basic network-perimeter security tenets by exposing insecure services to the internet, and it was operating unnecessary software that could have been exploited by hackers [52322]. The decision to operate the server in this manner, without proper security measures, contributed to the vulnerability of the system.
Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) development_incompetence, accidental (a) The software failure incident in the case of Hillary Clinton's private email server can be attributed to development incompetence. The server was found to be connected to the internet in ways that made it vulnerable to hackers due to the use of remote desktop services without additional protective measures, which experts noted was not intended for such use without proper security measures [52322]. Furthermore, the server was scanned by an anonymous hacker-researcher in 2012, who identified security vulnerabilities in the system, such as accepting commands directly from the internet without proper protections like a virtual private network (VPN). This lack of understanding of basic network-perimeter security tenets and failure to follow traditional security practices to shut off unnecessary functions on the server point towards development incompetence as a contributing factor to the software failure incident [52322]. (b) The software failure incident can also be considered accidental to some extent. The article mentions that Clinton's server was found to be operating software necessary to publish websites, although it was not believed to have been used for this purpose. This indicates that certain functions on the server may have been left active accidentally, creating potential security risks and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers [52322].
Duration permanent The software failure incident related to Hillary Clinton's private email server can be considered as a permanent failure. The server's vulnerabilities, such as being directly accessible from the internet without proper protections, the use of insecure software, and the lack of encryption tunnels for remote-control programs, were contributing factors introduced by all circumstances ([52322]). These security flaws were inherent to the setup and configuration of the server, making it susceptible to potential hacking attempts and unauthorized access.
Behaviour value, other (a) crash: The software failure incident related to Hillary Clinton's private email server did not involve a crash where the system lost state and did not perform any of its intended functions [52322]. (b) omission: The incident did not involve the system omitting to perform its intended functions at an instance(s) [52322]. (c) timing: The failure was not related to the system performing its intended functions correctly but too late or too early [52322]. (d) value: The software failure incident did involve the system performing its intended functions incorrectly, as it was found to have vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized access and potential hacking [52322]. (e) byzantine: The incident did not involve the system behaving erroneously with inconsistent responses and interactions [52322]. (f) other: The software failure incident involved the system behaving in a way not described in the options (a) to (e), specifically, allowing remote access connections directly over the internet without proper security measures, which was considered a serious security risk [52322].

IoT System Layer

Layer Option Rationale
Perception None None
Communication None None
Application None None

Other Details

Category Option Rationale
Consequence property, theoretical_consequence (d) property: People's material goods, money, or data was impacted due to the software failure The software failure incident related to Hillary Clinton's private email server being connected to the internet in an insecure manner made it more vulnerable to hackers. This vulnerability potentially exposed sensitive information stored on the server, including emails deemed top secret and confidential. While there is no direct mention of people losing their lives, being physically harmed, or having their access to food or shelter impacted, the potential consequences of the software failure include the compromise of personal and classified information, which could impact individuals' property in terms of data security and privacy [52322].
Domain information, finance, government (a) The failed system in this incident was related to the information industry, specifically involving the handling of personal and State Department correspondence by Hillary Clinton's private email server [52322]. The server was used exclusively by Clinton for all work messages during her tenure as secretary of state and was connected to the internet in ways that made it vulnerable to hackers [52322]. (h) The incident also has implications for the finance industry as it involves the security of sensitive information and potential risks related to the handling of confidential or top-secret emails on Clinton's server [52322]. (l) Additionally, the government sector is directly impacted by this software failure incident as it involves the handling of official State Department correspondence and potential breaches of security protocols within government systems [52322].

Sources

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