CVE-2002-2172 in Informed Filler
Summary
by MITRE
Informed (1) Designer and (2) Filler 3.05 does not zero out newly allocated disk blocks as an encrypted file grows in size, which may allow attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2172 affects Informed Designer and Filler 3.05, two components of a file encryption system that fails to properly manage memory allocation during file expansion operations. This flaw represents a classic case of information exposure through residual data contamination, where the encryption software does not adequately overwrite previously allocated disk space when files grow beyond their initial size boundaries. The root cause stems from improper memory management practices during dynamic file resizing operations, creating a scenario where remnants of previously encrypted data persist in newly allocated disk blocks.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when an encrypted file expands beyond its original allocation size, causing the system to allocate additional disk blocks to accommodate the growth. During this process, the encryption software fails to zero out or properly overwrite these newly allocated blocks, leaving behind fragments of previously stored data. This behavior creates a data leakage vector where sensitive information from prior file contents, encryption keys, or metadata could potentially be recovered from the unallocated disk space. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-226, which addresses improper handling of sensitive data during system operations, and specifically aligns with CWE-316, concerning sensitive information exposure through improper data handling.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for users of the affected encryption software, particularly in environments where files are frequently modified or expanded. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness through forensic analysis or specialized data recovery tools to extract previously encrypted data, including sensitive documents, personal information, or proprietary business data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level, making it difficult to detect and remediate without comprehensive system auditing. The attack surface expands when considering that the flaw affects the encryption process itself rather than just the encryption keys, potentially exposing data that was previously considered secure.
The security implications extend beyond simple data recovery, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to reconstruct partial file contents, identify patterns in file usage, or potentially deduce system behavior through analysis of residual data. This type of information leakage can facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including targeted data exfiltration or social engineering operations that rely on understanding the nature of previously stored information. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for data protection, as organizations may inadvertently violate data handling standards when using affected software. Mitigation strategies should include immediate software updates from the vendor, implementation of proper disk wiping procedures, and enhanced monitoring of file system operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as regular disk sanitization processes and comprehensive data lifecycle management policies to address the residual risk posed by this vulnerability. This flaw exemplifies the critical importance of proper memory management in cryptographic systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can create substantial security weaknesses that persist even after initial encryption operations complete successfully.