CVE-2002-2068 in Eraser
Summary
by MITRE
Eraser 5.3 does not clear Windows alternate data streams that are attached to files on NTFS file systems, which allows attackers to recover sensitive information that was supposed to be deleted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2068 affects Eraser version 5.3 and represents a critical flaw in data sanitization practices on Windows NTFS file systems. This issue stems from the software's failure to properly handle alternate data streams within the NTFS filesystem structure, leaving sensitive data recoverable even after apparent deletion operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the Windows alternate data streams functionality, which allows multiple data streams to be associated with a single file, creating hidden storage areas that traditional deletion methods cannot access.
Alternate data streams in NTFS file systems provide a mechanism for storing additional metadata or data alongside regular file content, enabling features like file attributes, resource forks, and hidden data storage. When Eraser 5.3 processes file deletion, it only clears the primary data stream while leaving alternate data streams intact, creating a significant security gap. This behavior violates fundamental principles of secure deletion as outlined in standards such as nist sp 800-88 and the doD 5220.22-m standard for data sanitization. The vulnerability creates a persistent attack surface where malicious actors can recover sensitive information through specialized tools that can access these alternate streams, effectively bypassing the intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data recovery, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on Eraser for data sanitization. Attackers can exploit this flaw to recover deleted documents, passwords, encryption keys, or other sensitive information that was thought to be permanently removed from the system. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework, particularly those involving information gathering and privilege escalation through data recovery techniques. The flaw represents a failure in the secure deletion process and can be classified under CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-225 (Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions) as it fails to properly handle the complete removal of data from file systems. Systems utilizing Eraser 5.3 for compliance with data retention policies or security standards may find their security measures compromised, potentially violating regulatory requirements such as pci dss, hipaa, or soc 2 controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2068 require immediate software updates to newer versions of Eraser that properly handle alternate data streams or alternative data sanitization approaches. Organizations should implement comprehensive data sanitization policies that account for NTFS-specific features, including the use of specialized tools that can clear all data streams or employ secure deletion methods that work at the file system level rather than just the application level. The solution should include verification procedures to ensure complete data removal and may require the implementation of additional security controls such as file system auditing or data loss prevention systems to monitor for potential recovery attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and encryption as compensating security measures, while regularly updating and patching security software to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of understanding file system internals when designing security tools and the necessity of comprehensive testing that includes edge cases like alternate data streams.