CVE-2004-1902 in MetaFrame Password Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Citrix MetaFrame Password Manager 2.0, when a central credential store is not configured, does not encrypt passwords entered immediately after executing the First Time User Wizards, which allows local users to gain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1902 affects Citrix MetaFrame Password Manager version 2.0, a credential management solution designed to centralize and secure password storage for enterprise environments. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the software's implementation of data protection mechanisms, specifically when the system operates without a configured central credential store. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly implement encryption for password data during a specific operational phase, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises user security. The issue manifests when users interact with the First Time User Wizards, which are typically executed during initial system setup or user configuration processes, making it particularly dangerous as it occurs during the most critical phase of system deployment.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability resides in the application's improper handling of password encryption during the initial configuration workflow. When a central credential store is not configured, the MetaFrame Password Manager fails to encrypt passwords that are entered immediately after executing the First Time User Wizards. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and cryptographic standards, as sensitive data is stored in plaintext format during a critical operational window. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper data protection measures during application initialization. The flaw essentially creates a temporal window where password data is accessible to local users without any form of encryption protection, making it susceptible to unauthorized access and information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1902 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations relying on MetaFrame Password Manager for credential management. Local users who gain access to the system during or immediately after the wizard execution can potentially extract sensitive password information, which could then be used for unauthorized system access, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which covers "Credentials from Password Stores," and represents a significant vector for credential theft in enterprise environments. The impact is particularly severe because it occurs during the initial setup phase when administrators are configuring the system, potentially exposing not only user passwords but also administrative credentials that could provide extensive access to critical infrastructure.
Organizations implementing Citrix MetaFrame Password Manager should immediately address this vulnerability through multiple mitigation strategies to protect against potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves configuring a central credential store as specified in the product documentation, which ensures that password encryption is properly implemented throughout the application lifecycle. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of the wizard execution environment to limit local user privileges and detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security guidelines from NIST SP 800-53 and other cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for encryption of sensitive data at all times, regardless of system state or configuration. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other credential management systems within the enterprise environment, as this vulnerability demonstrates a pattern of inadequate cryptographic implementation during critical operational phases.