CVE-2000-0777 in Money
Summary
by MITRE
The password protection feature of Microsoft Money can store the password in plaintext, which allows attackers with physical access to the system to obtain the password, aka the "Money Password" vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2019
The CVE-2000-0777 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft Money software that demonstrates poor cryptographic implementation and inadequate data protection measures. This vulnerability specifically affects the password protection mechanism within Microsoft Money, where user credentials are stored in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of the application by failing to implement basic password security principles that would normally protect sensitive authentication data from unauthorized access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from Microsoft Money's failure to apply proper cryptographic techniques when storing user passwords. Instead of implementing secure password hashing algorithms or encryption methods, the software directly stores password information in a readable format within the application's data files. This design choice creates a significant attack surface where any individual with physical access to the system can easily extract password information simply by examining the relevant data structures. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for credential storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to financial data protected by the password protection feature. When an attacker gains physical access to a system running Microsoft Money, they can extract the plaintext passwords and subsequently access all financial records, transaction histories, and other sensitive data that would normally be protected by the application's security mechanisms. This creates a scenario where the security model of the application becomes completely ineffective, as the protection mechanism itself becomes the attack vector. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the exploitation of credentials stored in files, demonstrating how attackers can leverage physical access to compromise system integrity.
Organizations and individuals using Microsoft Money software face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate or where unauthorized access to computing systems is possible. The vulnerability essentially eliminates the value of password protection as a security control, making it trivial for attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive financial information. This type of flaw highlights the importance of proper security implementation and testing, particularly for applications handling sensitive personal and financial data. The vulnerability also demonstrates how legacy software security issues can persist for extended periods, as Microsoft Money is no longer actively supported, leaving users vulnerable to such attacks without the benefit of security updates or patches.