CVE-2002-2345 in Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle 9i Application Server 9.0.2 stores the web cache administrator interface password in plaintext, which allows remote attackers to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2345 represents a critical security flaw in Oracle 9i Application Server version 9.0.2 where the web cache administrator interface password is stored in plaintext format within the configuration files. This design flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of the application server by eliminating the basic requirement for password protection mechanisms. The plaintext storage of credentials creates an exploitable condition where unauthorized individuals can directly access sensitive administrative interfaces without requiring any authentication cracking or sophisticated attack vectors. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-522 which addresses insufficiently protected credentials and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 004 related to valid accounts and credential access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application server's configuration management approach where administrative passwords are not encrypted or hashed during storage operations. When administrators configure the web cache administrator interface, the system persistently stores these credentials in clear text within configuration files or database entries that are accessible to processes running with appropriate privileges. This plaintext storage occurs at the application level rather than being addressed through proper cryptographic mechanisms or secure credential management practices. Attackers can exploit this by simply locating the configuration files through various reconnaissance methods including directory traversal attacks, misconfigured permissions, or through other information disclosure vulnerabilities that may exist within the same application server environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete administrative control over the web cache functionality and potentially the entire application server infrastructure. An attacker who gains access to the plaintext password can perform any administrative action including modifying cache configurations, accessing cached content, altering security settings, and potentially using the administrative interface to escalate privileges to other system components. The vulnerability enables persistent access patterns that can be maintained over extended periods without detection, as there are no cryptographic indicators or authentication failures that would alert system administrators to unauthorized access attempts. This represents a significant risk to data confidentiality and integrity within the application server environment, particularly when the web cache contains sensitive business or personal information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2345 require immediate attention through multiple defensive measures including the immediate patching of Oracle 9i Application Server to versions that properly encrypt administrative credentials. System administrators should implement strict file permission controls on configuration files to ensure that only authorized processes can access these sensitive resources. The principle of least privilege must be enforced through careful access control lists and mandatory access controls to prevent unauthorized file system access. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the web cache administrator interface to only trusted administrative networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their configuration management practices to ensure that no other sensitive information is stored in plaintext within application server configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure configuration management practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552 001 related to credentials from password stores and T1552 004 related to credentials in registry which emphasizes the need for comprehensive credential protection across all system components.