CVE-2001-0870 in Eye
Summary
by MITRE
HTTP server in Alchemy Eye and Alchemy Network Monitor 1.9x through 2.6.18 is enabled without authentication by default, which allows remote attackers to obtain network monitoring logs with potentially sensitive information by directly requesting the eye.ini file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0870 represents a critical security flaw in the Alchemy Eye and Alchemy Network Monitor network monitoring solutions. This issue affects versions 1.9x through 2.6.18 of the software, where the HTTP server component is configured to operate without any form of authentication by default. The flaw stems from poor security configuration practices that leave sensitive network monitoring data exposed to unauthorized access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly exposes network monitoring logs containing potentially sensitive information to remote attackers who can simply request the eye.ini file to gain access to these logs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the default configuration of the HTTP server component within the Alchemy monitoring software. When the software is installed and configured without proper authentication mechanisms, the HTTP server listens for incoming connections and serves files without requiring any user credentials or access controls. The eye.ini file contains configuration data and network monitoring logs that are essential for the operation of the monitoring system but may also contain sensitive information about network traffic patterns, system configurations, and potential security vulnerabilities. This default unauthenticated access creates a direct pathway for attackers to obtain detailed information about the monitored network environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Alchemy Eye and Alchemy Network Monitor for network security monitoring. Remote attackers who discover the vulnerable system can immediately access network monitoring logs without needing any credentials, potentially gaining insights into network topology, traffic patterns, and system configurations. The sensitive information contained in these logs could include details about network vulnerabilities, security incidents, and operational details that could be exploited by malicious actors. This exposure represents a severe violation of the principle of least privilege and undermines the security posture of organizations that depend on these monitoring tools for network visibility and threat detection.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and demonstrates the importance of proper security configuration management. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves discovery of network services, as attackers could use this vulnerability to enumerate network monitoring capabilities. Organizations using this software face increased risk of targeted attacks and information gathering activities that could lead to more sophisticated breaches. The default insecure configuration represents a common pattern in security vulnerabilities where software vendors fail to implement secure-by-default settings, leaving systems vulnerable until administrators actively configure proper security measures. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the acquired network monitoring data could enable attackers to plan more targeted attacks against the monitored network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate configuration changes to enable authentication for the HTTP server component, implementing access controls for the eye.ini file, and conducting security audits of all network monitoring systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring access to sensitive files to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar insecure configurations in other network monitoring tools and infrastructure components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of proactive security measures in network monitoring systems.