CVE-2002-0941 in MSCAPI CSP
Summary
by MITRE
The ConsoleCallBack class for nCipher running under JRE 1.4.0 and 1.4.0_01, as used by the TrustedCodeTool and possibly other applications, may leak a passphrase when the user aborts an application that is prompting for the passphrase, which could allow attackers to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0941 represents a critical security flaw in the nCipher security infrastructure software that operates within the Java Runtime Environment. This issue specifically affects versions 1.4.0 and 1.4.0_01 of the JRE, where the ConsoleCallBack class fails to properly handle passphrase input termination. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management and input handling within the cryptographic application framework, creating a situation where sensitive passphrase information remains accessible in memory even after user abort operations.
The technical flaw manifests when applications such as TrustedCodeTool utilize the ConsoleCallBack class to prompt users for passphrases during cryptographic operations. When users abort the application during passphrase entry, the system does not properly clear the passphrase data from memory or the console input buffer. This memory leakage creates a window of opportunity for attackers to extract the passphrase through various memory inspection techniques or by analyzing the application's runtime state. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the security of cryptographic operations that rely on passphrases for key protection and authentication.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the nCipher platform and exposes organizations to potential privilege escalation attacks. Attackers who can access the leaked passphrase gain access to protected cryptographic keys and sensitive data that should remain secured through passphrase protection mechanisms. The vulnerability affects not only the TrustedCodeTool but potentially other applications that utilize the same ConsoleCallBack class, amplifying the attack surface and impact. This weakness can be exploited by both local and remote attackers who have access to the system during the vulnerable operation, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user or shared computing environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-209, which addresses information exposure through error messages, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic weakness in passphrase handling. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves unsecured credentials stored in memory, and T1078, which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the JRE and nCipher software, implementing proper input validation and memory clearing procedures, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts during cryptographic operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in cryptographic applications and the need for comprehensive security testing of memory management and input handling components.