CVE-1999-1002 in Communicator
Summary
by MITRE
Netscape Navigator uses weak encryption for storing a user's Netscape mail password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1002 represents a critical security flaw in Netscape Navigator version 4.07 and earlier, specifically concerning the storage of user credentials for Netscape mail functionality. This weakness stems from the application's implementation of encryption algorithms that were fundamentally inadequate for protecting sensitive authentication data. The issue manifests when users configure their mail accounts within the browser, as the application stores password information in an encrypted format that can be easily reverse-engineered or decrypted by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
The technical flaw lies in the use of weak cryptographic methods for password storage, which falls under the category of insufficient encryption strength as defined by CWE-326. The encryption algorithm employed by Netscape Navigator was based on outdated and vulnerable techniques that did not provide adequate protection against cryptographic attacks. This weakness specifically affects the password storage mechanism within the mail configuration settings, where users' authentication credentials are saved for automatic login purposes. The implementation fails to follow established security practices for credential storage, including the use of strong encryption algorithms, proper key management, and secure hashing mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to users' email accounts and potentially exposes them to further security breaches. When users store their mail passwords within Netscape Navigator, the weak encryption essentially provides no meaningful protection, allowing anyone with access to the configuration files or the ability to analyze the application's memory to extract and utilize these credentials. This vulnerability creates a persistent security risk for all users who rely on the browser's mail functionality, particularly in environments where physical access to the system is possible or where attackers can obtain copies of the application's configuration files.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform credential dumping attacks, where they extract stored passwords from the browser's configuration databases. This vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in software design and implementation, as it violates fundamental principles of secure credential management. Organizations and users should have recognized this as a critical security concern given the widespread use of Netscape Navigator in the late 1990s, and the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper encryption implementation in client-side applications. The remediation approach involves updating to newer versions of Netscape Navigator that implement stronger encryption standards or migrating to alternative browsers that follow modern security practices for credential storage.
This vulnerability serves as an important historical example of how weak cryptographic implementations can create persistent security risks in widely-used software applications. The issue demonstrates the critical importance of using industry-standard encryption algorithms and proper key management practices when implementing credential storage mechanisms. Modern security frameworks and best practices have evolved significantly since this vulnerability was first identified, with contemporary applications implementing robust encryption standards such as AES-256 for sensitive data protection and following established guidelines for secure password handling as outlined in NIST SP 800-63B and similar standards. The weakness in Netscape Navigator's implementation underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and updates to prevent exploitation of known cryptographic vulnerabilities in client applications.