CVE-2000-0214 in FTP Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
FTP Explorer uses weak encryption for storing the username, password, and profile of FTP sites.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0214 represents a significant security flaw in FTP Explorer software that directly impacts how authentication credentials are managed and stored. This weakness stems from the application's implementation of inadequate cryptographic measures for protecting sensitive user information including usernames, passwords, and FTP profile configurations. The vulnerability specifically addresses the storage mechanism rather than the transmission of data, making it a classic example of poor data protection at rest. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of security best practices in credential management, where the software fails to employ robust encryption algorithms or proper key management techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of weak encryption algorithms or poorly implemented cryptographic functions that can be easily reverse-engineered or decrypted by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This type of weakness falls under the broader category of insufficient cryptographic strength as defined by CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. The vulnerability essentially creates a scenario where an attacker who gains access to the application's configuration files or storage locations can directly extract stored credentials without requiring complex exploitation techniques. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it affects the core functionality of the application's authentication management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential unauthorized access to multiple FTP servers and the compromise of sensitive data repositories. When users store their FTP credentials within the application, they inherently trust the software to protect this information adequately. However, the weak encryption implementation undermines this trust and creates a persistent security risk that remains active as long as the application is installed and credentials are stored. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various vectors including local file system access, privilege escalation attacks, or by directly examining the application's configuration storage mechanisms. The vulnerability also enables credential reuse attacks where stolen credentials can be used across multiple systems or services that rely on the same authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural flaws in the application's credential handling. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including the complete removal of stored credentials from affected systems, the application of security patches if available, and the implementation of more robust credential management solutions. The recommended approach involves transitioning to strong encryption standards such as AES-256 for credential storage, implementing proper key management practices, and utilizing secure credential storage mechanisms like Windows Credential Manager or similar secure vault solutions. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-57 for cryptographic key management and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through unsecured credential storage. The incident also underscores the necessity of implementing proper security controls during software development lifecycle phases, particularly in the areas of secure coding practices and cryptographic implementation reviews.