CVE-1999-1271 in Dreamweaver
Summary
by MITRE
Macromedia Dreamweaver uses weak encryption to store FTP passwords, which could allow local users to easily decrypt the passwords of other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1271 resides within Macromedia Dreamweaver software, a widely used web development tool that has been a cornerstone in the creation of websites and web applications since the late 1990s. This particular weakness manifests in the application's approach to storing FTP credentials, which represents a fundamental flaw in information security practices. The issue specifically affects how Dreamweaver handles the encryption of passwords used for connecting to web servers via File Transfer Protocol, creating a scenario where sensitive authentication information becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access. The vulnerability impacts users who rely on Dreamweaver's built-in FTP functionality to manage their web content, making it a significant concern for developers who store their credentials within the application's configuration files.
The technical flaw in question involves the implementation of weak cryptographic methods for password encryption within Dreamweaver's credential storage mechanism. This weakness stems from the application's use of inadequate encryption algorithms or improper implementation of encryption protocols that fail to provide adequate protection for sensitive data. The weak encryption typically employs either outdated or trivial encryption methods that can be easily reversed or cracked by attackers with minimal technical expertise. When Dreamweaver stores FTP passwords, it does so using a method that does not adequately protect the confidentiality of these credentials, essentially creating a backdoor for local users to access stored authentication information. The vulnerability lies not in the FTP protocol itself but in how Dreamweaver chooses to encrypt and store the passwords locally on the user's system, making it a classic example of poor implementation of cryptographic security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent security risk for users who store multiple FTP credentials within the application. Local users who gain access to the system where Dreamweaver is installed can easily extract and decrypt these stored passwords, potentially gaining unauthorized access to multiple web servers and compromising the security of entire web development environments. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations where multiple developers share workstations or where Dreamweaver is installed on systems with shared user accounts. The threat is amplified because the encryption weakness is not limited to a single user's credentials but can be exploited to access credentials belonging to other users who have stored their FTP information within the same application. This creates a scenario where a single compromised local account can lead to broader security breaches across multiple web hosting environments. The vulnerability also aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack mitigation framework, as it represents a straightforward privilege escalation vector through credential access.
The security implications of CVE-1999-1271 can be analyzed through the lens of established security frameworks such as the Common Weakness Enumeration, where this vulnerability would be classified under CWE-327, which deals with use of a broken or weak cryptographic algorithm. Additionally, this weakness demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the credential access category where adversaries attempt to obtain credentials through local system access. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, as it allows local users to access information that should remain protected. Organizations using Dreamweaver or similar applications should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting local system access, using more secure credential management solutions, or implementing application-level security measures to prevent unauthorized access to stored credentials. The weakness also highlights the importance of proper encryption implementation and the need for applications to use strong, well-vetted cryptographic methods when storing sensitive information. Remediation efforts should focus on either upgrading to versions of Dreamweaver that implement stronger encryption methods or implementing compensating controls to protect against this specific vulnerability.