CVE-2002-0580 in Xpede
Summary
by MITRE
WorkforceROI Xpede 4.1 allows remote attackers to obtain the database username via a request to datasource.asp, which leaks the username in a form and allows the attacker to more easily conduct brute force password guessing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0580 affects WorkforceROI Xpede version 4.1, a workforce management solution that exposes sensitive database credentials through improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw resides within the datasource.asp component of the application, which fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming requests, thereby inadvertently revealing critical authentication information to remote attackers. The vulnerability represents a classic case of information disclosure where the application's response to unauthorized access attempts contains database connection details that should remain confidential.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper access controls and input validation on the datasource.asp page. When remote attackers submit requests to this specific endpoint, the system responds with database username information in a format that facilitates automated attack vectors. This exposure occurs because the application does not properly authenticate or authorize access attempts before returning any database connection details, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gather intelligence for subsequent credential brute force attacks. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities where sensitive data is inadvertently disclosed to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential leakage, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running the affected software. Attackers can leverage the leaked database username to conduct more targeted brute force attacks against the corresponding password, dramatically reducing the time and computational resources required to compromise the database. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using WorkforceROI Xpede 4.1 for workforce management, as it creates an entry point that bypasses normal authentication procedures and allows unauthorized access to backend database systems. The exposure of database credentials through this flaw represents a serious security risk that could lead to data breaches, unauthorized data modification, or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of access control measures on the datasource.asp endpoint, ensuring that no sensitive database information is returned to unauthorized users. Organizations should implement proper authentication checks before any database connection details are exposed, and consider implementing rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms to prevent brute force attacks against discovered credentials. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version of WorkforceROI Xpede that addresses this information disclosure flaw, as the vendor likely released patches or updates to resolve this specific vulnerability. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which involves data from information repositories, and emphasizes the importance of proper access controls and credential protection in preventing unauthorized database access. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper error handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire database systems.