CVE-2002-0939 in MSCAPI CSP
Summary
by MITRE
The Install Wizard for nCipher MSCAPI CSP 5.50 does not use Operator Card Set protected keys when the user requests them but does not generate the Operator Card Set, which results in a lower protection level than specified by the user (module protection only).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2019
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2002-0939 affects the nCipher MSCAPI CSP 5.50 Install Wizard component, which is part of a cryptographic service provider implementation designed to manage hardware security modules. This flaw represents a significant deviation from expected security behavior where the system fails to properly implement the protection mechanisms specified by users during configuration. The vulnerability stems from the wizard's inability to correctly handle operator card set protected keys when users explicitly request this enhanced protection level. When users configure the system to utilize operator card set protection, they expect a higher security posture that includes the additional layers of authentication and protection provided by the operator card set mechanism. However, the Install Wizard's implementation falls short of this expectation by not properly incorporating the operator card set keys into the configuration process.
The technical flaw manifests in the installation and configuration workflow where the system recognizes the user's request for operator card set protection but fails to actually establish the necessary cryptographic infrastructure to support this protection level. This creates a scenario where the system operates with only module-level protection instead of the requested operator card set protection, effectively reducing the security posture to a lower baseline. The vulnerability occurs during the installation phase when the wizard processes user configuration requests, specifically when handling the cryptographic key management aspects of the operator card set functionality. This represents a failure in the cryptographic implementation where the system does not properly validate or implement the user-specified security requirements, leading to a misconfiguration that undermines the intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it creates a false sense of security for users who believe they have implemented enhanced protection mechanisms through operator card set usage. Organizations deploying nCipher MSCAPI CSP 5.50 may unknowingly operate with reduced cryptographic security levels, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorized access or compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the cryptographic configuration process, meaning that even if users follow proper security procedures and request operator card set protection, the system will not deliver the expected security benefits. This can lead to compliance issues with security standards that require specific protection levels, as the system fails to meet the documented security requirements for operator card set functionality.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weakness, specifically focusing on the improper implementation of cryptographic protection mechanisms. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves unsecured cryptographic keys and the improper handling of cryptographic key material. The installation wizard's failure to properly implement operator card set protection represents a critical breakdown in the cryptographic implementation lifecycle where user intent is not properly translated into actual security controls. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including verifying that operator card sets are properly configured and validated during installation, implementing additional configuration checks to ensure that requested protection levels are actually enforced, and considering alternative cryptographic implementations that properly support the required security controls. The vulnerability underscores the importance of thorough testing and validation of cryptographic implementations, particularly during installation and configuration phases where user requests for enhanced security are processed.