CVE-2000-0492 in PassWD
Summary
by MITRE
PassWD 1.2 uses weak encryption (trivial encoding) to store passwords, which allows an attacker who can read the password file to easliy decrypt the passwords.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0492 represents a critical weakness in the PassWD 1.2 password management system that directly impacts the security of stored credentials. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of cryptographic principles in password storage mechanisms. The system employs what is commonly referred to as "trivial encoding" rather than proper encryption, creating a scenario where sensitive authentication data becomes immediately accessible to any attacker with read access to the password file. This vulnerability specifically affects systems where PassWD 1.2 is implemented for password management and storage purposes.
The technical flaw in PassWD 1.2 stems from its implementation of weak cryptographic methods that fail to provide adequate protection for stored passwords. Trivial encoding typically involves simple character substitution or basic obfuscation techniques that can be easily reversed without specialized knowledge or tools. This approach violates established security principles and fails to meet the minimum requirements for protecting sensitive information as outlined in industry standards such as those referenced in CWE-310. The weakness essentially transforms what should be encrypted data into data that can be decrypted through simple pattern recognition or brute force methods, making the entire password storage system ineffective from a security perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization relying on PassWD 1.2 for credential management. An attacker who gains read access to the password file can immediately extract all stored passwords without requiring significant computational resources or specialized decryption tools. This creates a complete compromise of authentication systems that depend on the confidentiality of stored credentials. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to multiple accounts and systems simultaneously, potentially leading to broader security breaches including lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. This type of weakness directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation techniques, where adversaries exploit weak credential storage mechanisms to gain unauthorized system access.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate replacement of the PassWD 1.2 system with a properly implemented password management solution that employs strong encryption algorithms such as AES or bcrypt for password storage. Organizations should implement password hashing with appropriate salt values and computational cost parameters to ensure that even if password files are compromised, the stored credentials remain protected. The solution must incorporate industry-standard security practices including proper key management, secure storage mechanisms, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify any other instances of weak encryption or trivial encoding practices within their infrastructure to prevent cascading security failures.