CVE-2001-0046 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The default permissions for the SNMP Parameters registry key in Windows NT 4.0 allows remote attackers to read and possibly modify the SNMP community strings to obtain sensitive information or modify network configuration, aka one of the "Registry Permissions" vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0046 represents a critical security flaw in Windows NT 4.0 systems related to improper access control mechanisms within the Windows registry. This issue specifically targets the SNMP Parameters registry key which contains essential network configuration data including community strings used for Simple Network Management Protocol communications. The vulnerability stems from the default security configuration where insufficient permissions are applied to the registry key, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to sensitive network management information.
The technical flaw manifests through weak permission settings on the SNMP Parameters registry key that permits any authenticated user to read the community strings stored within. Community strings function as passwords for SNMP operations and are critical for network monitoring and management activities. When these strings are accessible to unauthorized parties, attackers can exploit this information to gain unauthorized access to network devices and perform various malicious activities including data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, and configuration modifications. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276 which describes improper permissions for a resource, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential network compromise and configuration manipulation. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can obtain sensitive information about network infrastructure, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle operations, network traffic interception, and unauthorized access to other networked systems. The ability to modify SNMP community strings also allows attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, making detection and remediation more challenging. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Windows NT 4.0 systems may still be operational, creating potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to expand their network presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0046 require immediate implementation of proper registry permission controls through Windows registry editing tools or group policy configurations. System administrators must ensure that the SNMP Parameters registry key is protected with appropriate access control lists that restrict read and write permissions to authorized administrative accounts only. The recommended approach involves setting specific permissions on the registry key to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining legitimate administrative functionality. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege management and access control implementation as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the need for least privilege access and proper resource protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized information disclosure and system compromise.