CVE-2002-0343 in Connect
Summary
by MITRE
Hotline Client 1.8.5 stores sensitive user information, including passwords, in plaintext in the bookmarks file, which could allow local users with access to the bookmarks file to gain privileges by extracting the passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0343 represents a critical security flaw in the Hotline Client version 1.8.5 software that demonstrates poor cryptographic practices and insecure data handling. This issue stems from the application's improper storage of authentication credentials, specifically user passwords, within a readily accessible configuration file known as the bookmarks file. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in data protection mechanisms and falls under the broader category of insecure storage of sensitive information as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the Hotline Client application writing user authentication details directly to disk without any form of encryption or obfuscation. When users establish connections to remote servers through the client interface, their credentials are automatically saved to the bookmarks file in plain text format. This design decision creates an inherent security risk because any local user with file system access to the bookmarks file can immediately extract and utilize the stored passwords. The vulnerability exists at the application level where sensitive data handling practices fail to meet minimum security requirements for credential storage.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant privilege escalation opportunities for local attackers who can gain unauthorized access to multiple network resources. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these extracted passwords can be used to access various systems and services that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. The local access requirement means that attackers must first compromise the user's system or have legitimate access to the target machine, but once achieved, the extracted credentials provide immediate access to network resources without requiring additional exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the information security triad.
The security implications of CVE-2002-0343 align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including credential access through the use of valid accounts and the exploitation of insecure credential storage. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper cryptographic practices and secure coding methodologies when handling sensitive information. The flaw represents a failure in the application's security architecture and highlights the need for developers to follow established security guidelines and standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations using Hotline Client software should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file system access to bookmarks files, implementing proper access controls, and considering alternative authentication methods that do not rely on plaintext credential storage.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate attention from system administrators and software vendors to address the root cause of insecure credential storage. Users should be advised to restrict file permissions on the bookmarks file to prevent unauthorized access, while developers should implement proper encryption mechanisms for storing sensitive information. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks and underscores the importance of conducting thorough security reviews during software development lifecycle processes. The issue also demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and secure data handling practices that align with industry standards and best practices for information security management.