CVE-2001-1404 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Bugzilla before 2.14 stores user passwords in plaintext and sends password requests in an email message, which could allow attackers to gain privileges.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1404 affects Bugzilla versions prior to 2.14 and represents a critical security flaw in how the system handles user authentication and password management. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper password encryption mechanisms, storing user credentials in plain text format within the database. The flaw creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Bugzilla for bug tracking and issue management, as it fundamentally undermines the security of user accounts and system access controls. The vulnerability exposes user authentication data to potential attackers who gain access to the database or system files where these plaintext passwords are stored, effectively eliminating any password-based security measures that might otherwise protect user accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's password handling routines that do not employ cryptographic hashing or encryption for storing user credentials. When users create accounts or update their passwords, the system stores these values in their original form without any transformation, making them immediately readable to anyone with access to the database. Additionally, the flaw extends to the password recovery mechanism, which sends password reset requests via email messages containing sensitive information in plaintext format. This dual vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit, as they can either directly access stored passwords or intercept password reset communications to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially system privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2001-1404 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected Bugzilla versions, as it creates a persistent security risk that can lead to unauthorized system access, data breaches, and privilege escalation attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise user accounts and potentially gain administrative access to the bug tracking system, which may provide them with access to sensitive project information, development data, and other organizational resources. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE taxonomy under CWE-256, which addresses "Plaintext Storage of a Password" and CWE-312, which covers "Sensitive Data Exposure." The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised accounts can be used to manipulate bug reports, access confidential information, and potentially serve as a foothold for broader network attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, starting with upgrading to Bugzilla version 2.14 or later where proper password encryption mechanisms have been implemented. The recommended approach includes enabling secure password storage through cryptographic hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2, which transform passwords into irreversible hash values that cannot be easily reversed to their original form. System administrators should also review and implement proper access controls for database files containing user credentials, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to these sensitive resources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following security best practices and adhering to established frameworks such as those outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix under the credential access tactics, specifically focusing on credential dumping and privilege escalation techniques that attackers can employ when such plaintext storage vulnerabilities exist.