CVE-2002-1657 in PostgreSQL
Summary
by MITRE
PostgreSQL uses the username for a salt when generating passwords, which makes it easier for remote attackers to guess passwords via a brute force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1657 affects PostgreSQL database systems and represents a significant weakness in the password hashing mechanism that directly impacts authentication security. This flaw stems from the implementation where PostgreSQL utilizes the username as a salt value when generating password hashes, creating predictable cryptographic outputs that significantly weaken password security. The vulnerability exists in the core authentication system of PostgreSQL, specifically within the password generation and verification processes that were in place during the affected versions of the database software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability creates a predictable pattern in password hashing where identical usernames across different accounts would produce identical hash outputs when combined with the same password, or conversely, the same password used with different usernames would generate easily correlatable hash values. This predictable behavior fundamentally undermines the security assumptions of cryptographic salt usage, which is designed to ensure that even identical passwords produce different hash outputs when combined with unique salt values. The flaw directly violates the principle of cryptographic salt effectiveness as defined by security standards and best practices, making password cracking significantly more feasible through brute force attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for database environments using affected PostgreSQL versions, as it dramatically reduces the computational effort required for password guessing attacks. Attackers can leverage the predictable hash patterns to perform targeted brute force attempts against specific user accounts, particularly when they have knowledge of legitimate usernames within the system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where user enumeration is possible, as attackers can systematically target accounts with known usernames to exploit the predictable hashing behavior. The impact extends beyond simple password guessing to potentially enable unauthorized access to sensitive database resources and data, representing a critical security weakness that compromises the integrity of the authentication system.
The vulnerability demonstrates a clear deviation from established security practices and aligns with common weaknesses categorized under CWE-327, which addresses the use of insecure or weak cryptographic algorithms and practices. It also relates to ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential stuffing and password spraying attacks that become significantly more effective when password hashing mechanisms are compromised. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of PostgreSQL, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing additional authentication controls such as account lockout mechanisms and multi-factor authentication to reduce the attack surface. The remediation process requires careful consideration of existing password hashes and may necessitate password resets for affected accounts to ensure complete security restoration.