CVE-2001-0967 in Arkeia
Summary
by MITRE
Knox Arkeia server 4.2, and possibly other versions, uses a constant salt when encrypting passwords using the crypt() function, which makes it easier for an attacker to conduct brute force password guessing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0967 affects the Knox Arkeia server version 4.2 and potentially other iterations of the software. This issue stems from the implementation of password encryption mechanisms within the application's authentication system. The core problem lies in the use of a constant salt value when employing the crypt() function for password hashing, a critical flaw that significantly weakens the security posture of the affected system.
The technical flaw represents a fundamental weakness in cryptographic implementation practices that directly violates established security principles. When a constant salt is used in password encryption, it eliminates the randomness that should be inherent in cryptographic operations. This predictable approach allows attackers to perform pre-computed dictionary attacks or rainbow table attacks with considerably reduced computational overhead. The crypt() function in Unix-like systems relies on salt values to ensure that identical passwords produce different hash outputs, but when this salt remains constant across all password encryptions, the entire purpose of salting is defeated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on Knox Arkeia server for data backup and storage management. Attackers can leverage the constant salt to conduct efficient brute force attacks against user credentials, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive backup data and systems. This weakness particularly affects environments where the Arkeia server manages critical data assets and where authentication security is paramount. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases exponentially when combined with other security weaknesses in the broader system architecture.
The flaw aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of a broken or weak cryptographic algorithm, and specifically relates to improper use of cryptographic primitives. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers password guessing through brute force methods. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the Knox Arkeia server, implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication, and conducting comprehensive password audits. System administrators should also consider implementing account lockout mechanisms and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and the necessity of avoiding hardcoded or predictable values in security-sensitive operations.