CVE-2001-1517 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** RunAs (runas.exe) in Windows 2000 stores cleartext authentication information in memory, which could allow attackers to obtain usernames and passwords by executing a process that is allocated the same memory page after termination of a RunAs command. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, saying that administrative privileges are already required to exploit it, and the original researcher did not respond to requests for additional information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1517 relates to the runas.exe utility in Windows 2000 operating systems where authentication credentials are stored in cleartext within memory spaces. This represents a significant security flaw that violates fundamental principles of credential handling and memory protection. The issue stems from how Windows 2000 manages memory allocation for processes that execute with elevated privileges through the runas command, creating a window of opportunity for credential theft.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a user executes a command through runas.exe, which temporarily stores the authentication credentials in memory. Even after the process terminates, the memory page containing these cleartext credentials may remain allocated and accessible to other processes running on the same system. This memory reuse pattern creates a scenario where malicious processes can potentially read the stored credentials from memory, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. The flaw operates at the operating system level and demonstrates poor memory management practices that violate established security guidelines.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for systems running Windows 2000, particularly in enterprise environments where administrative privileges are commonly used. The attack vector requires only that an attacker be able to execute code with sufficient privileges to access the memory space, which is often achievable through various exploitation techniques including privilege escalation or existing malicious software. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft to potentially enable full system compromise, as stolen credentials could be used to access other systems, escalate privileges, or maintain persistent access to network resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a classic example of how improper credential handling can undermine system security.
The vendor's position that administrative privileges are required to exploit this issue reflects a misunderstanding of the actual attack surface and threat model. While it is true that memory access typically requires elevated privileges, the vulnerability exists regardless of whether an attacker can directly exploit it, as the memory storage mechanism itself is inherently insecure. The original researcher's inability to provide additional information does not invalidate the technical findings, as the core issue of cleartext credential storage in memory is well-established. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper memory isolation techniques, using encrypted credential storage mechanisms, and applying the principle of least privilege to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should consider implementing memory protection features, monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns, and ensuring that credential handling follows industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and MITRE ATT&CK framework for credential access techniques.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and memory management in operating system components. This issue demonstrates how seemingly simple utility functions can introduce significant security risks when proper security controls are not implemented. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust credential handling mechanisms and the dangers of storing sensitive information in easily accessible formats. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems are properly updated with security patches to prevent unauthorized access to credential information.