CVE-2004-1497 in Web Forums Server
Summary
by MITRE
Web Forums Server 1.6 and 2.0 Power Pack stores passwords in plaintext in the Username.ini file, which allows local users to gain privileges.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1497 represents a critical security flaw in the Web Forums Server software version 1.6 and 2.0 Power Pack. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of user authentication credentials, specifically the storage of passwords in plaintext format within the Username.ini configuration file. The vulnerability is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-312, which deals with the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The flaw exists at the application level where user authentication data is persisted without any form of encryption or obfuscation, creating an inherent security risk for all systems running the affected software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Web Forums Server creates or updates user account information, storing the plaintext passwords directly in the Username.ini file located within the application's directory structure. This configuration file is accessible to any local user who has read permissions on the application directory, effectively eliminating any form of access control or privilege separation. The plaintext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a scenario where unauthorized local users can easily extract sensitive authentication information simply by reading the configuration file. This flaw operates at the file system level and demonstrates poor security design practices that directly enable privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local attackers with immediate access to valid user credentials, enabling them to impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to the web forum system. The vulnerability can be exploited by any local user who has access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not properly enforced. This type of vulnerability falls under the MITRE ATT&CK framework category of Credential Access, specifically the technique T1550.001 for exploiting legitimate credentials. The ability to escalate privileges through credential theft creates a cascading security risk where attackers can move laterally within the network and potentially gain administrative access to the entire forum infrastructure.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates provided by the vendor, as the flaw exists in the application's core functionality. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting file system access to the Username.ini file and ensuring that only authorized administrative processes can read or modify these sensitive configuration files. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls on the application directory structure, conducting regular security audits of configuration files, and applying file system permissions that prevent unauthorized local users from accessing critical authentication data. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure configuration management practices as outlined in security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files and establish regular security training for personnel responsible for maintaining web forum systems.