CVE-2001-1005 in Truesync Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
Starfish Truesync Desktop 2.0b as used on the REX 5000 PDA uses weak encryption to store the user password in a registry key, which allows attackers who have access to the registry key to decrypt the password and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1005 represents a critical weakness in the Starfish Truesync Desktop 2.0b software implementation on REX 5000 PDAs, where the system employs inadequate cryptographic measures to protect user authentication credentials. This flaw resides in the registry storage mechanism where passwords are encrypted using weak encryption algorithms, creating a significant security risk for mobile device users who rely on these systems for corporate or personal data access. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of cryptographic best practices in mobile device security implementations, particularly when dealing with sensitive authentication information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of weak encryption algorithms that can be easily reversed or cracked by attackers with access to the registry key storage location. This weakness allows unauthorized individuals to extract password data from the registry entries and subsequently decrypt the stored credentials without requiring additional sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets the credential storage mechanism within the mobile device's operating environment, where authentication data is not properly protected using industry-standard encryption methods such as those recommended by NIST or other cryptographic authorities. The weak encryption approach creates a direct path for privilege escalation attacks, as the decrypted passwords can be used to gain unauthorized access to the system and its associated resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to mobile devices that may contain sensitive corporate or personal data. This vulnerability affects mobile device management systems where user authentication is critical for maintaining data integrity and access control. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where PDAs serve as primary communication and data access devices, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire corporate networks through compromised mobile endpoints. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of mobile device environments, creating opportunities for data breaches and unauthorized system access that could affect multiple users and systems within the organization.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing stronger encryption mechanisms for credential storage, including the adoption of industry-standard cryptographic protocols such as AES-256 encryption for sensitive data protection. Organizations should immediately update their mobile device management systems to ensure that all authentication credentials are protected using robust encryption algorithms that meet current security standards. The implementation of proper key management practices and regular security audits of mobile device configurations can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the system. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to provide additional layers of protection beyond simple password authentication, as outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-63B standards for authentication management. This vulnerability highlights the importance of cryptographic implementation reviews and adherence to established security frameworks such as those defined in the CWE catalog and ATT&CK framework for mobile device security.