CVE-2002-1353 in LocalWEB2000
Summary
by MITRE
LocalWEB2000 HTTP server 2.1.0 stores passwords in plain text under the web document root in users.lst, which allows remote attackers to obtain the passwords via a direct request to users.lst.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1353 represents a critical security flaw in the LocalWEB2000 HTTP server version 2.1.0 that directly compromises user authentication credentials through improper data handling practices. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure credential storage, specifically manifesting as plain text password exposure within the web application's document root directory. The flaw enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to user authentication information by simply requesting the users.lst file through direct HTTP access, bypassing any normal authentication mechanisms that should protect such sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to properly secure user credentials during storage operations. The LocalWEB2000 HTTP server version 2.1.0 stores user account information including passwords in plain text format within the web-accessible document root directory structure. This design decision violates fundamental security principles for credential management and creates an easily exploitable attack vector. The users.lst file becomes a direct target for attackers who can simply construct an HTTP request to retrieve this file and extract all stored passwords without requiring any authentication or authorization. This type of vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the data protection mechanisms and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for systems running the affected LocalWEB2000 server. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain access to all user accounts configured within the server, potentially enabling them to assume identities, access restricted resources, and conduct further attacks within the compromised environment. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat since the plain text passwords remain accessible indefinitely until manually removed or the server is properly updated. This exposure affects both individual user accounts and organizational security posture, particularly in environments where the server hosts sensitive information or serves as a gateway to internal systems. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and represents a classic example of how poor data protection practices can undermine entire security architectures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate administrative action to address the root cause of the issue. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of the LocalWEB2000 HTTP server that properly encrypts or hashes user credentials before storage. Organizations should also implement immediate file access controls to restrict access to sensitive configuration files within the web document root. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all web server configurations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The implementation of proper access controls, regular security assessments, and credential management practices aligns with industry standards and best practices for preventing such exposure scenarios. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure credential storage practices and the potential consequences of failing to implement proper data protection measures in web server implementations.