CVE-2001-1165 in Fileguard
Summary
by MITRE
Intego FileGuard 4.0 uses weak encryption to store user information and passwords, which allows local users to gain privileges by decrypting the information, e.g., with the Disengage tool.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1165 affects Intego FileGuard 4.0, a security application designed to protect computer systems from various threats. This particular weakness stems from the application's implementation of encryption mechanisms that fail to provide adequate security for sensitive user data. The flaw resides in how the software handles the storage of user credentials and information, creating a significant security risk for systems that rely on this protection mechanism.
The technical implementation of FileGuard 4.0 demonstrates a critical failure in cryptographic strength, where the encryption algorithm employed is insufficient to withstand determined attacks from local users. This weakness specifically manifests in the storage of user passwords and other sensitive information within the application's configuration files or databases. The vulnerability operates under the principle that weak encryption algorithms can be reverse-engineered or decrypted through brute force methods, particularly when attackers have local access to the system. According to the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) framework, this represents a weakness categorized under CWE-326, which deals with inadequate encryption strength, and potentially CWE-310, related to cryptographic issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as local users who can access the system can exploit the weak encryption to gain elevated privileges. The Disengage tool mentioned in the description serves as a practical means for attackers to decrypt the stored information, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. This scenario creates a privilege escalation pathway where attackers can access sensitive data that should remain protected, potentially leading to unauthorized system access, data manipulation, or further exploitation of the compromised environment. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, making it accessible to users who may have legitimate access to the machine but could misuse their privileges.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK (Attack Tree Framework) techniques, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. The ability to decrypt stored credentials represents a credential access technique that can be leveraged to move laterally within a network or maintain persistence on compromised systems. This weakness demonstrates poor security practices in application design where the developers failed to implement industry-standard encryption protocols that would adequately protect user data. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the necessity of using well-established encryption standards such as AES-256 or similar robust algorithms that can withstand modern computational attacks. Organizations relying on FileGuard 4.0 would be advised to immediately implement mitigations including system hardening, access controls, and potentially alternative security solutions that do not exhibit such fundamental cryptographic weaknesses.