CVE-2002-0065 in Funk Software
Summary
by MITRE
Funk Software Proxy Host 3.x uses weak encryption for the Proxy Host password, which allows local users to gain privileges by recovering the passwords from the PHOST.INI file or the Windows registry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0065 affects Funk Software Proxy Host version 3.x, a network proxy solution that serves as an intermediary between client systems and web servers. This weakness stems from the implementation of inadequate cryptographic practices within the authentication mechanism of the proxy host software. The vulnerability specifically targets the password storage methodology, where weak encryption algorithms are employed to protect sensitive authentication credentials. Attackers can exploit this flaw to obtain administrative privileges by extracting password information from two primary storage locations within the Windows operating environment. The PHOST.INI configuration file represents a critical attack vector as it contains cleartext or minimally encrypted password values that can be directly accessed by local users with appropriate permissions. Additionally, the Windows registry serves as another repository for proxy host credentials, where the weak encryption implementation leaves passwords vulnerable to extraction by unauthorized local actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-326, which addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms, and CWE-521, which covers weak password requirements and storage practices. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to the proxy host's administrative functions. This access enables malicious actors to manipulate network traffic routing, modify proxy configurations, and potentially gain access to sensitive data passing through the proxy infrastructure. The local user requirement for exploitation means that attackers must already have access to the target system, but this limitation does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as local access often represents a foothold for broader network infiltration. The weak encryption implementation creates a persistent security risk that remains viable even after system updates or patches if the underlying cryptographic implementation is not properly addressed.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which involves the use of credentials from password storage components, specifically targeting Windows registry entries and configuration files. The attack path typically involves local system access followed by enumeration of the proxy host configuration files and registry keys containing password information. Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of poor cryptographic implementation in legacy software solutions, where the assumption of physical security was not properly considered in the design phase. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient attention to cryptographic security requirements in network infrastructure tools can create significant risks for organizations relying on such systems for network traffic management and security control enforcement.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including thorough review of all proxy host configurations to ensure that password values are not stored in easily accessible locations. The recommended approach involves upgrading to newer versions of Funk Software Proxy Host that implement stronger cryptographic standards for credential storage. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of all local user accounts and permissions to minimize the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Regular monitoring of system logs for unauthorized access attempts and configuration changes provides additional detection capabilities for this class of vulnerability. The remediation process should include proper credential management practices that prevent the storage of passwords in configuration files or registry entries, instead implementing centralized authentication mechanisms that provide stronger security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures that limit local user access to critical system components where such vulnerabilities may exist.