CVE-2001-0968 in Arkeia
Summary
by MITRE
Knox Arkeia server 4.2, and possibly other versions, installs its root user with a null password by default, which allows local and remote users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0968 represents a critical security flaw in the Knox Arkeia server version 4.2 and potentially other iterations of the software. This issue stems from the improper configuration of the root account during the installation process, where the system sets up the root user with a null password by default. The fundamental problem lies in the assumption that the system will enforce proper authentication mechanisms, when in reality the default installation creates an account that can be accessed without any credential requirements. This configuration error creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until manually corrected by system administrators.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through both local and remote access vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged from multiple attack surfaces. An attacker with access to the system can simply log in as root without providing any password, effectively bypassing all authentication mechanisms. This flaw directly violates security best practices and represents a classic case of insecure default configurations. The vulnerability can be exploited by anyone who can access the system, whether through physical access, network connectivity, or other means of entry, as the null password provides unrestricted root access to the entire system. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates a severe risk profile for organizations using Knox Arkeia server 4.2. The default null password configuration means that any system administrator who fails to properly configure the root account after installation leaves their systems vulnerable to exploitation. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it persists across system reboots and does not require any special tools or techniques to exploit. The attack surface is broad, as it can be leveraged by both internal and external threat actors. Organizations may not even be aware of this vulnerability until after a compromise has occurred, since the system appears to function normally from a user perspective.
The vulnerability maps directly to several cybersecurity frameworks and standards, particularly CWE-798 which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259 which covers the use of weak passwords. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation. The flaw also demonstrates poor security hygiene that violates NIST SP 800-53 controls related to access control and system configuration. Organizations should immediately implement configuration management procedures to ensure that default accounts are properly secured. The recommended mitigations include changing the root password immediately after installation, disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar configuration flaws. Additionally, system administrators should follow security hardening guidelines and establish procedures to verify that default configurations are properly secured before systems are deployed in production environments.