CVE-2002-1491 in VPN 5000 Client
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco VPN 5000 Client for MacOS before 5.2.2 records the most recently used login password in plaintext when saving "Default Connection" settings, which could allow local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1491 represents a critical security flaw in the Cisco VPN 5000 Client for MacOS versions prior to 5.2.2. This issue stems from insecure credential storage practices where the application persistently saves user authentication credentials in plaintext format within the system's default connection settings. The vulnerability specifically affects the MacOS platform and demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure password handling mechanisms within the VPN client software.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's configuration management system which stores sensitive authentication data without adequate encryption or obfuscation. When users configure their default connection settings, the client automatically captures and retains the login password in clear text format within the system's configuration files or registry entries. This plaintext storage method directly violates established security best practices and creates an exploitable condition that persists across system sessions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials in applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on Cisco VPN 5000 Client for MacOS. Local users with access to the affected system can easily retrieve the stored password through standard file system access methods, potentially gaining unauthorized access to corporate networks and sensitive resources. This threat vector particularly affects environments where multiple users share the same system or where physical access to devices cannot be strictly controlled. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a direct path to establish persistent network access without requiring additional authentication factors, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
The security implications of CVE-2002-1491 align with ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which covers credentials from password stores, and demonstrates how insecure credential storage can serve as an initial access vector for attackers. Organizations utilizing affected Cisco VPN client versions face increased risk of unauthorized network access, potential data breaches, and compliance violations. The vulnerability also reflects poor security design principles that should be addressed through proper input validation and secure credential handling practices. Remediation efforts must include immediate software updates to version 5.2.2 or later, along with comprehensive security awareness training for users regarding the importance of secure credential management and system access controls. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and access control measures to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts that may exploit this vulnerability.