CVE-1999-0932 in Statistics Server
Summary
by MITRE
Mediahouse Statistics Server allows remote attackers to read the administrator password, which is stored in cleartext in the ss.cfg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The Mediahouse Statistics Server vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that exposes administrative credentials through improper configuration and storage practices. This vulnerability affects systems running the Mediahouse Statistics Server software where the administrator password is stored in cleartext within the ss.cfg configuration file. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper credential protection mechanisms and highlights the dangers of storing sensitive information in easily accessible locations. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate security controls that fail to encrypt or obfuscate administrative passwords, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises system integrity and access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's configuration file management approach where passwords are stored without any form of encryption or hashing. Attackers can simply retrieve the ss.cfg file through various means including direct file access, web server misconfigurations, or through other attack vectors that allow file system enumeration. The cleartext storage of administrative credentials violates basic security principles and creates an immediate privilege escalation opportunity for any attacker who gains access to the configuration file. This represents a classic case of poor input validation and insecure data handling practices that directly enable unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Once attackers obtain the administrative password, they gain unrestricted access to all system functions, including the ability to modify configuration settings, access sensitive data, install malicious software, and potentially escalate privileges to other systems within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains exploitable until the configuration file is properly secured or the password is changed. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by both external attackers and internal malicious actors who may have legitimate access to the file system.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several established frameworks and threat models, including the CWE catalog which would classify this under CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. This vulnerability also maps to various ATT&CK techniques including T1566: Phishing for Information and T1078: Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage stolen administrative credentials to maintain persistent access. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement proper file permissions, encrypt sensitive configuration data, and establish regular credential rotation policies. The remediation process requires securing the ss.cfg file through appropriate access controls, implementing encryption for stored credentials, and conducting thorough security audits to identify other instances of cleartext credential storage throughout the system infrastructure.