CVE-2004-0951 in Ignite-UX
Summary
by MITRE
The make_recovery command for the TFTP server in HP Ignite-UX before C.6.2.241 makes a copy of the password file in the TFTP directory tree, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0951 represents a critical security flaw in HP Ignite-UX TFTP server implementations prior to version C.6.2.241. This issue stems from improper privilege separation and insecure file handling practices within the make_recovery command functionality. The vulnerability manifests when the TFTP server executes the make_recovery command, which inadvertently creates copies of sensitive system files within the TFTP directory tree structure. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure file handling, creating an exploitable condition that exposes critical system information to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276 as insecure file permissions and CWE-200 as exposure of sensitive information, highlighting the dual nature of the flaw involving both access control and information disclosure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the TFTP server's recovery mechanism executing commands that lack proper sandboxing or privilege elevation controls. When the make_recovery command processes system recovery operations, it performs file copying operations that do not adequately restrict the destination directory permissions or validate the security context of the operations. The TFTP directory tree, typically designed for network file transfer operations, becomes an unintended staging area for sensitive system files including password databases and authentication information. This creates a scenario where remote attackers can access these copied files through standard TFTP read operations, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms that would normally protect such sensitive data. The flaw operates at the system level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the underlying operating system security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0951 is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing affected HP Ignite-UX systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain password files and other sensitive authentication data without requiring local system access or elevated privileges. This exposure enables attackers to perform credential-based attacks including password spraying, brute force attempts, and credential reuse attacks against other systems within the network perimeter. The vulnerability also enables attackers to gather additional intelligence about the target environment, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) techniques, representing information gathering and privilege escalation capabilities. The impact extends beyond immediate credential compromise to include potential lateral movement and persistence within the affected network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0951 should focus on immediate remediation through HP's official security patches and updates. Organizations must upgrade to HP Ignite-UX version C.6.2.241 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent insecure file copying operations. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to isolate TFTP services from critical systems and limit the potential attack surface. Access controls should be tightened on TFTP directories to prevent unauthorized file creation and modification operations. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of TFTP directory contents and remove any sensitive files that may have been inadvertently copied. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual TFTP access patterns and file transfer activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and secure coding practices in system administration tools, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of recovery and maintenance functions. Organizations should also implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for TFTP protocol anomalies and unauthorized file access attempts.