CVE-2000-0241 in vqServer
Summary
by MITRE
vqSoft vqServer stores sensitive information such as passwords in cleartext in the server.cfg file, which allows attackers to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0241 represents a critical security flaw in vqSoft vqServer software where sensitive authentication data is stored in an unencrypted format within the server.cfg configuration file. This configuration file contains passwords and other privileged credentials that are accessible to anyone with read access to the server's file system. The flaw stems from a fundamental design oversight where the application fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive information, violating core security principles of data protection at rest. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users or processes have file system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application level where the vqServer software writes authentication credentials directly to disk without any form of encryption or obfuscation. When the server processes configuration requests or manages user authentication, it references these cleartext credentials stored in the server.cfg file, creating a persistent exposure point. Attackers can exploit this by simply accessing the file system and reading the contents of the configuration file, thereby obtaining valid login credentials for the system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector that allows unauthorized users to gain administrative access to the vqServer environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly severe because it operates at the file system level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it accessible to anyone who can read the configuration files regardless of network security measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0241 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications within the affected infrastructure. Once attackers obtain the cleartext passwords, they can establish persistent access to the system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or use as a foothold for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also creates challenges for compliance with security standards such as pci dss, which mandates protection of sensitive authentication data, and iso 27001, which requires appropriate controls for information security. Organizations using vqServer software would be vulnerable to attacks that align with attack technique t1078 in the mitre att&ck framework, specifically focusing on valid accounts and legitimate credentials as a means of gaining access to systems. The impact is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the foundational security of the application, meaning that any additional security measures implemented at higher layers remain ineffective against this core flaw.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0241 require immediate implementation of configuration changes and security hardening measures. The primary solution involves encrypting sensitive information within the server.cfg file or implementing alternative storage mechanisms that do not expose credentials in cleartext. Organizations should consider implementing file system permissions that restrict access to the configuration file to only authorized administrative users and processes. Additionally, the software should be updated to a version that properly encrypts sensitive data or implements secure credential storage practices. Security controls should include regular monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to configuration files and implementation of intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper security training for administrators regarding secure configuration practices and the importance of protecting sensitive information at all levels of system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized credential management solutions that eliminate the need for cleartext storage within application configuration files.