CVE-2001-1106 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Sambar Server 5 and earlier uses a symmetric key that is compiled into the binary program for encrypting passwords, which could allow local users to break all user passwords by cracking the key or modifying a copy of the sambar program to call the decryption procedure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1106 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in the Sambar Server software version 5 and earlier. This issue stems from the software's default configuration where a symmetric encryption key is hardcoded into the binary program itself, creating a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity of user authentication. The symmetric key approach, while seemingly efficient for implementation, exposes a critical design flaw that allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded encryption key that is embedded within the Sambar Server binary during compilation. This key serves to encrypt user passwords stored within the system, but because it is compiled directly into the program executable, it becomes accessible to anyone with sufficient access to examine the binary code. The flaw specifically relates to weak cryptographic practices and improper key management, which are categorized under CWE-327 - Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm. Attackers can either attempt to reverse-engineer the compiled key through cryptanalysis or modify the program binary to include a decryption routine that can be invoked to retrieve all stored passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password compromise, as it provides attackers with complete access to all user accounts within the Sambar Server environment. Local users who gain access to the system can exploit this weakness to decrypt all stored passwords, effectively eliminating any authentication security that the server was designed to provide. This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the confidentiality and integrity of the authentication system, allowing attackers to impersonate any user account and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The impact is particularly severe because it affects all users of the system, regardless of their individual password strength or complexity.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is relatively limited to local access scenarios where attackers already have the ability to examine or modify the Sambar Server binary. However, the severity of the impact makes this a critical concern for any system administrators using affected versions of Sambar Server. The vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 - Unsecured Credentials, as it exposes stored credentials through weak cryptographic implementation. Additionally, it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.002 - Valid Accounts, as compromised passwords provide legitimate access to user accounts. The recommended mitigations include upgrading to a newer version of Sambar Server that implements proper cryptographic practices, removing the hardcoded key from the binary, and implementing proper key management procedures. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to critical system binaries.