CVE-2002-0235 in FaxPress
Summary
by MITRE
Castelle FaxPress, possibly 6.3 and other versions, when configured to use the Network print queue, allows attackers to obtain the username and password by submitting an incorrect login, which causes Faxpress to leak the correct username and password in plaintext in an error event.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0235 affects Castelle FaxPress versions including 6.3 and potentially others when configured to utilize network print queues. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes authentication credentials through improper error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize error messages that are generated when authentication attempts fail, creating a pathway for credential leakage that directly violates fundamental security principles.
This security weakness manifests when an attacker submits an incorrect login attempt to the FaxPress system configured with network print queue functionality. The system's response to this invalid authentication attempt inadvertently reveals the correct username and password in plaintext format within the generated error event logs. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper handling of authentication failures and demonstrates a clear violation of security best practices for credential protection. From a technical perspective, this flaw represents a classic case of information disclosure through error messages, where the system's response to failed authentication contains sensitive data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to legitimate user accounts within the fax system environment. This access could enable unauthorized fax transmission, system configuration modifications, and potential lateral movement within networks where the fax system operates. The plaintext exposure of credentials means that attackers can immediately utilize the stolen information without requiring additional exploitation techniques, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where fax systems often integrate with broader network infrastructure. The flaw also creates potential for privilege escalation if the compromised accounts possess elevated permissions within the fax system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0235 should focus on immediate implementation of proper error handling protocols that prevent credential information from being exposed in error messages. Organizations should configure FaxPress systems to use sanitized error messages that do not reveal authentication details regardless of the authentication outcome. This approach aligns with security framework principles outlined in CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through error messages, and reflects techniques recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access tactics. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to fax systems, deploy monitoring solutions to detect unusual authentication patterns, and ensure that all fax systems are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification that error handling mechanisms properly sanitize authentication-related information to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications.