CVE-2003-0340 in Puresecure
Summary
by MITRE
Demarc Puresecure 1.6 stores authentication information for the logging server in plaintext, which allows attackers to steal login names and passwords to gain privileges.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0340 affects the Demarc Puresecure 1.6 network security device, representing a critical weakness in authentication data handling that directly compromises system security. This issue stems from the device's improper storage of authentication credentials for its logging server, where sensitive login information is maintained in unencrypted plaintext format rather than being properly secured through cryptographic means. The flaw exists within the device's configuration management system and represents a fundamental failure in information security practices that has persisted across multiple versions of the Puresecure product line.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of security best practices and can be classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of plaintext credentials. Attackers exploiting this weakness can directly access stored authentication data without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques, as the credentials are readily available in plain text format. This vulnerability fundamentally undermines the principle of least privilege and violates the security principle that authentication information must be protected through appropriate cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. The device's failure to implement proper credential encryption or hashing mechanisms creates an environment where any attacker with access to the device's configuration files or storage areas can immediately retrieve valid login credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Once attackers obtain the plaintext credentials, they can gain unauthorized access to the logging server and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels, depending on the permission structure of the logging system. This access allows for complete control over the device's logging functions, including the ability to modify, delete, or manipulate log entries to cover malicious activities. The vulnerability also enables attackers to potentially access other systems within the network that rely on the logging server for security monitoring and incident response, creating cascading security implications throughout the organization's infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as it enables adversaries to establish persistent access through legitimate credentials and potentially facilitate further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Organizations should immediately implement credential rotation procedures for all affected devices and ensure that any stored credentials are encrypted using strong cryptographic algorithms such as AES-256 or similar industry-standard encryption methods. The device configuration should be updated to enforce secure credential storage practices, and administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to sensitive configuration areas. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that authentication data is properly encrypted and that no plaintext credentials are stored in accessible locations. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to provide additional layers of security beyond simple username-password combinations, and establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized access attempts to logging server credentials. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of adhering to security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which mandate proper handling of authentication information and require organizations to implement appropriate controls to protect sensitive data throughout its lifecycle.