CVE-2001-1354 in DMail
Summary
by MITRE
NetWin Authentication module (NWAuth) 2.0 and 3.0b, as implemented in SurgeFTP, DMail, and possibly other packages, uses weak password hashing, which could allow local users to decrypt passwords or use a different password that has the same hash value as the correct password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1354 represents a critical weakness in the NetWin Authentication module (NWAuth) version 2.0 and 3.0b implementations found in various FTP and email server software including SurgeFTP and DMail. This security flaw stems from the use of weak password hashing algorithms that fail to provide adequate cryptographic protection for stored credentials. The vulnerability specifically affects authentication mechanisms that rely on hash functions without proper salting or sufficient computational complexity to resist modern cryptanalytic attacks. The implementation of such weak hashing algorithms creates a fundamental weakness in the system's credential storage security model.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of inadequate cryptographic hashing functions that produce predictable or reversible hash values. When passwords are stored using weak hashing algorithms, attackers can exploit this weakness through various methods including rainbow table attacks, brute force attempts, or by finding hash collisions that allow them to substitute one password for another with identical hash values. This particular vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of hashing functions as defined by CWE-328, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken hash functions. The flaw creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access when local users can leverage the predictable nature of the hashing mechanism to either decrypt passwords or generate equivalent hash values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Local users who can exploit this weakness gain the ability to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, potentially accessing restricted resources, modifying system configurations, or conducting malicious activities under elevated privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where local access is possible and where the authentication module is used for user account management. The risk is amplified because the weakness exists in multiple software packages, increasing the attack surface and making it more likely for attackers to find vulnerable systems. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principle of authentication and can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of stronger cryptographic hashing mechanisms with proper salting and sufficient computational complexity. Organizations should upgrade to versions of the affected software that implement robust password hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 with appropriate iteration counts. The remediation process must include rehashing all existing passwords with stronger algorithms to ensure that previously stored credentials cannot be exploited through the weak hashing mechanism. Security administrators should also implement additional monitoring and access controls to detect unauthorized access attempts that might exploit this vulnerability. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the credential dumping and account manipulation tactics that adversaries use to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in authentication systems.