CVE-2001-1003 in Respondus
Summary
by MITRE
Respondus 1.1.2 for WebCT uses weak encryption to remember usernames and passwords, which allows local users who can read the WEBCT.SVR file to decrypt the passwords and gain additional privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1003 represents a critical security flaw in Respondus 1.1.2 software designed for WebCT learning management systems. This weakness stems from the application's implementation of inadequate cryptographic practices when storing authentication credentials. The software creates a WEBCT.SVR file that contains stored username and password information, but employs encryption methods that are easily susceptible to decryption by unauthorized local users. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential protection and demonstrates poor cryptographic hygiene in application design. The flaw specifically affects systems where local access is possible, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access controls are insufficient.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of weak encryption algorithms that lack proper cryptographic strength for protecting sensitive data. The WEBCT.SVR file serves as the primary attack vector, containing credentials that can be readily decrypted without significant computational resources or specialized tools. This weakness creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can gain access to additional system privileges through the retrieved credentials. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as the compromised credentials can potentially provide access to administrative functions within the WebCT environment. This represents a classic example of insufficient encryption implementation and highlights the importance of using industry-standard cryptographic protocols for credential storage. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and specifically aligns with CWE-326 for "Inadequate Encryption Strength" and CWE-327 for "Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm."
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risks for educational institutions and organizations relying on WebCT systems. Local users with read access to the WEBCT.SVR file can immediately escalate their privileges and potentially access sensitive student data, course materials, and administrative functions. The attack surface is expanded in environments where multiple users share systems or where physical security measures are inadequate. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if student data is compromised, particularly under education-specific regulations such as FERPA requirements in the united states. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader threat landscape where local privilege escalation can serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks, particularly when evaluating the security posture of learning management systems and similar educational technology platforms. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for "Valid Accounts" and T1566 for "Phishing" as attackers may use compromised credentials to gain further access within the network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. Organizations should implement strict file system permissions to limit access to the WEBCT.SVR file and ensure that only authorized personnel can read these sensitive configuration files. The implementation of stronger encryption standards and regular security audits of credential storage mechanisms should be mandatory. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the impact of local privilege escalation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication and credential monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security training for system administrators and users can help prevent accidental exposure of sensitive files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in security-sensitive applications and the necessity of following established security frameworks and best practices for credential management.