CVE-2003-1394 in Password Wizard
Summary
by MITRE
CoffeeCup Software Password Wizard 4.0 stores sensitive information such as usernames and passwords in a .apw file under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain that information via a direct request for the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1394 represents a critical security flaw in CoffeeCup Software Password Wizard 4.0 that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper file handling and access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's design decision to store user authentication information in plain text format within a .apw file located within the web document root directory structure. The web document root serves as the primary directory where web servers serve files to clients, making any files stored within this location potentially accessible through standard web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on the .apw file, which contains usernames and passwords in an unencrypted format. When the Password Wizard creates this file, it does not implement any authorization checks or permission restrictions that would prevent unauthorized access from external parties. The file remains accessible through direct URL requests, allowing attackers to bypass normal application interfaces and directly retrieve the stored credentials. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource access control.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for any system administrators or users who rely on the Password Wizard for managing web application credentials. Attackers can immediately obtain valid login credentials for web applications, potentially gaining unauthorized access to entire web applications, databases, or server environments. The exposure of these credentials can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized modifications to web content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special exploitation techniques beyond simple web browsing to access the sensitive information.
The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-259, which covers weak password storage mechanisms. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of credential access through unsecured storage of authentication credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure data storage where sensitive information is stored in a location that is publicly accessible without proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations implementing this software would be exposed to immediate credential theft attacks, making this a critical security concern that requires immediate remediation.
The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing proper file access controls through web server configuration, moving sensitive credential files outside of the web document root, and ensuring that any authentication data is stored using proper encryption mechanisms. Administrators should also implement file permission restrictions using operating system access control lists and consider implementing additional security measures such as file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits should verify that sensitive information is not stored in publicly accessible locations and that proper access controls are enforced throughout the application's file structure.