CVE-2004-1861 in School
Summary
by MITRE
Invision NetSupport School Pro uses a weak encryption algorithm to encrypt passwords, which allows local users to obtain passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1861 pertains to Invision NetSupport School Pro software that employs weak encryption algorithms for password protection. This weakness creates a significant security risk as it allows local attackers to easily obtain passwords stored within the system. The issue represents a critical flaw in the software's authentication mechanisms and demonstrates poor cryptographic implementation practices that have been prevalent in legacy security systems.
This vulnerability falls under the category of weak encryption or cryptographic flaws as classified by CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. The weakness in encryption implementation directly violates security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management and algorithm selection. The software's failure to employ strong encryption methods creates an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to user credentials, potentially leading to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using NetSupport School Pro, as local users with access to the system can easily retrieve stored passwords without requiring sophisticated attack techniques. This creates a scenario where any individual with local access to a system running the vulnerable software can obtain sensitive authentication information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed by anyone with local system access, making it a preferred target for both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained local footholds.
The security implications extend beyond simple password exposure, as this vulnerability can facilitate broader compromise within the network environment. Once an attacker obtains passwords through weak encryption, they can potentially escalate privileges, access restricted resources, and move laterally within the network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials and T1078.002 for Valid Accounts, as the compromised credentials can be used to maintain persistent access and avoid detection. Organizations relying on this software face increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through software updates or patches provided by the vendor, as well as implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized local access. Organizations should also consider migrating to more secure authentication solutions that employ strong encryption algorithms and proper key management practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weak encryption implementations in other legacy systems throughout the organization's infrastructure.