CVE-2001-1462 in SecurID
Summary
by MITRE
WebID in RSA Security SecurID 5.0 as used by ACE/Agent for Windows, Windows NT and Windows 2000 allows attackers to cause the WebID agent to enter debug mode via a URL containing null characters, which may allow attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1462 represents a critical security flaw in the RSA Security SecurID 5.0 implementation within ACE/Agent for Windows operating systems. This issue specifically affects Windows NT and Windows 2000 platforms where the WebID agent component is deployed, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of authentication systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the WebID agent's URL processing mechanism, which fails to adequately sanitize or reject malformed input containing null characters.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing null characters that are subsequently processed by the WebID agent. This particular implementation does not properly validate the URL structure or sanitize input parameters before processing them through the authentication agent. When the agent encounters these null characters in the URL, it triggers an unexpected behavior that causes the agent to enter debug mode. This debug mode exposure creates a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized access to internal system information and potentially sensitive authentication data that would normally be protected from external inspection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the debug mode activation could provide attackers with access to internal system states, memory contents, or authentication parameters that should remain confidential. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of authentication system design and could enable attackers to escalate privileges, conduct further reconnaissance, or exploit other components within the same system. The vulnerability affects the core authentication infrastructure of SecurID implementations, potentially undermining the entire security framework that organizations rely upon for protecting sensitive information and access control.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-170, which specifically addresses improper input handling in applications that do not properly validate or sanitize input containing null characters. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter using Windows Command Shell, as the debug mode activation could potentially allow attackers to execute commands or access system resources that would normally be restricted. Organizations implementing RSA SecurID solutions should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, URL filtering mechanisms, and system monitoring to detect unauthorized debug mode activation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in authentication systems, particularly those handling sensitive security tokens and access credentials.