CVE-2001-1254 in Alexis Server
Summary
by MITRE
Web Access component for COM2001 Alexis 2.0 and 2.1 in InternetPBX sends username and voice mail passwords in the clear via a Java applet that sends the information to port 8888 of the server, which could allow remote attackers to steal the passwords via sniffing.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1254 represents a critical security flaw in the Web Access component of COM2001 Alexis 2.0 and 2.1 systems integrated within InternetPBX platforms. This issue specifically affects the authentication mechanism used for voice mail services, where sensitive credentials are transmitted without any form of encryption or protection. The vulnerability exists within a Java applet implementation that serves as the communication bridge between client devices and the server infrastructure, creating an exploitable attack vector that undermines the fundamental security posture of the entire system.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the Java applet component sending authentication credentials directly to port 8888 of the server without employing any encryption protocols or secure communication channels. This clear-text transmission of username and voice mail passwords creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to intercept and capture sensitive information during network transit. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer of the network stack, where network traffic can be easily monitored and captured using standard packet sniffing tools. The Java applet's design fails to implement any form of cryptographic protection, making it susceptible to passive network monitoring attacks that can capture and decode the transmitted credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to voice mail systems and potentially broader network resources. Once an attacker successfully intercepts these credentials, they can gain access to voice mail accounts, potentially leading to further reconnaissance activities, social engineering opportunities, or even lateral movement within the network. The clear-text nature of the transmission means that any network administrator or malicious actor with access to the network traffic can easily capture and utilize these credentials. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CIA triad, specifically compromising the confidentiality of sensitive information and creating a significant risk for organizations relying on the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing immediate network-level protections and architectural changes to prevent clear-text credential transmission. Organizations should deploy network segmentation measures to isolate critical systems and implement network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious traffic patterns. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to versions of the software that implement secure communication protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption for credential transmission. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure communication practices. Additionally, this issue corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive network security controls to protect against such threats.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing proper authentication mechanisms in networked applications. The flaw demonstrates how legacy systems and older software implementations can contain fundamental security weaknesses that persist for years without proper remediation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar clear-text transmission issues within their network infrastructure and implement mandatory encryption requirements for all credential handling processes. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for security-by-design principles and the importance of regular security audits to identify and remediate such exposure points in networked systems.