CVE-2001-0372 in InterChange
Summary
by MITRE
Akopia Interchange 4.5.3 through 4.6.3 installs demo stores with a default group account :backup with no password, which allows a remote attacker to gain administrative access via the demo stores (1) barry, (2) basic, or (3) construct.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0372 represents a critical security flaw in Akopia Interchange versions 4.5.3 through 4.6.3 that stems from improper default configuration practices. This issue manifests through the installation of demo stores that contain a default group account named :backup with no password set, creating an inherent backdoor that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects three demo stores: barry, basic, and construct, all of which share this insecure default configuration that persists even after installation.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations. The absence of password protection for the :backup group account constitutes a fundamental security misconfiguration that violates basic security principles. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply connecting to any of the three affected demo stores and leveraging the unsecured :backup account to assume administrative control. This represents a classic case of insecure default settings that provide attackers with immediate elevated privileges without requiring any authentication challenges or additional exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows attackers to completely compromise the integrity and availability of the affected systems. Once an attacker gains administrative access through the :backup account, they can modify system configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, or even destroy system functionality. The vulnerability affects the entire Interchange platform ecosystem, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple components within the application stack. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in production environments where demo installations might be left running alongside actual business applications, creating potential attack vectors that could be leveraged for broader system compromise.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily through network-based exploitation, where remote attackers can access the demo stores without requiring physical access or prior authentication. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which addresses Phishing, as attackers can leverage the default credentials to establish persistent access. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including disabling or removing demo installations, setting strong passwords for all accounts, and conducting comprehensive security audits to identify similar insecure default configurations. The remediation process should involve ensuring that all default accounts have unique, strong passwords and that demo environments are properly secured or completely removed from production systems. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following security best practices during software installation and configuration, particularly regarding credential management and default account handling.