CVE-2002-1848 in TightVNC
Summary
by MITRE
TightVNC before 1.2.4 running on Windows stores unencrypted passwords in the password text control of the WinVNC Properties dialog, which could allow local users to access passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1848 represents a critical security flaw in TightVNC software versions prior to 1.2.4 on Windows operating systems. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the graphical user interface components of the remote desktop solution. The vulnerability specifically affects the WinVNC Properties dialog where password information is displayed in plaintext within a text control element, creating an exploitable condition that compromises user authentication security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure storage and display of password credentials within the application's graphical interface. When users enter passwords into the WinVNC Properties dialog, the system fails to properly encrypt or obfuscate this information during display operations. This design flaw allows local attackers with access to the system to potentially capture or read these passwords directly from the text control fields. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user input is processed and displayed, representing a failure in proper credential handling and storage practices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations relying on TightVNC for remote administration. Local users who gain access to the system can easily extract stored passwords without requiring additional exploitation techniques, making this a particularly dangerous flaw in environments where multiple users share systems or where physical access is possible. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of credential protection and can lead to unauthorized access to remote systems, potentially enabling further lateral movement within networks and escalation of privileges.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.001 (Credentials from Password Stores - Windows Credential Manager) and T1003.002 (OS Credential Dumping - Security Account Manager). The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate input sanitization within the application's user interface components. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to TightVNC version 1.2.4 or later, which addresses the insecure password storage behavior, and conducting security audits to ensure no other applications exhibit similar credential handling issues.
The remediation strategy should prioritize the immediate deployment of the patched TightVNC version that properly encrypts or masks password fields in the graphical interface. Additionally, system administrators should review and harden the overall security posture by implementing proper access controls, monitoring for unauthorized local access, and ensuring that all remote administration tools properly handle sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their remote access infrastructure.