CVE-1999-1561 in SHOUTcast Server
Summary
by MITRE
Nullsoft SHOUTcast server stores the administrative password in plaintext in a configuration file (sc_serv.conf), which could allow a local user to gain administrative privileges on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1561 affects the Nullsoft SHOUTcast server software, which was widely used for streaming audio content over the internet during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This particular flaw represents a critical security weakness in the server's configuration management approach, where administrative credentials are stored in an unencrypted format within a configuration file. The issue stems from poor security practices in the software's design where the system does not implement proper password encryption or hashing mechanisms for storing administrative access credentials. This configuration file sc_serv.conf becomes a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to server administration functions, as the plaintext password storage violates fundamental security principles for credential management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-522, which addresses insufficiently protected credentials, and more specifically aligns with CWE-312, describing the exposure of sensitive information through plaintext storage. The flaw operates at the application level where the server software fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data during storage operations. This represents a classic example of insecure data handling practices, where the system architecture does not consider the security implications of storing authentication credentials in a format accessible to any user with file system permissions. The vulnerability exists because the software does not perform any form of password encryption or obfuscation before writing administrative credentials to the configuration file, making it trivial for local users to read the password directly from the file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any SHOUTcast server deployment. Local users who can access the configuration file gain immediate administrative privileges, which allows them to modify server settings, change broadcast content, alter user permissions, and potentially use the server as a platform for further attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and provides maximum impact, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where system administrators might not properly restrict file access permissions. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under T1078, which covers valid accounts and T1566, covering credential access through the exploitation of weak credential storage mechanisms. The threat landscape during this era was particularly concerning as many organizations deployed these servers without adequate security awareness, leaving them vulnerable to both internal and external attackers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through configuration changes and architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves either encrypting the password in the configuration file using proper cryptographic methods or implementing strict file access controls that prevent unauthorized users from reading the configuration file. Organizations should also consider migrating to more modern streaming solutions that properly implement credential protection mechanisms, as the SHOUTcast server software has been deprecated for many years. System administrators should implement proper access controls using file permissions and discretionary access control lists to restrict who can read the configuration file, though this approach only provides partial protection since local users with sufficient privileges can still access the file. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices in software development, particularly around credential storage and access control mechanisms, and serves as a historical example of why proper security architecture is essential in all system components.