CVE-2004-2049 in Thintune Extreme
Summary
by MITRE
eSeSIX Thintune thin clients running firmware 2.4.38 and earlier store sensitive usernames and passwords in cleartext in configuration files for the keeper library, which allows attackers to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2049 affects eSeSIX Thintune thin clients operating with firmware versions 2.4.38 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how authentication credentials are managed within the system architecture. This issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive information during the configuration process, where usernames and passwords are stored in plaintext format within keeper library configuration files. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices that directly violates established security principles for protecting sensitive authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the keeper library component within the thin client firmware, which is responsible for managing various system configurations and authentication parameters. When the system initializes or processes user authentication requests, it writes credential information directly to configuration files without any form of encryption or obfuscation. This cleartext storage mechanism creates an exploitable condition where any attacker with access to the system's file system can directly read and extract authentication credentials simply by examining the configuration files. The vulnerability manifests as a direct disclosure of sensitive information through file system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access to thin clients is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments relying on thin client architectures. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially escalating privileges and moving laterally within networks where these thin clients are deployed. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it directly compromises the protection of sensitive authentication data. Organizations using eSeSIX Thintune devices with vulnerable firmware versions face significant risk of unauthorized system access, data breaches, and potential compromise of entire network infrastructures. This issue particularly affects environments where thin clients are used for accessing corporate resources, as the stolen credentials can provide attackers with legitimate access paths into sensitive systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a classic example of poor security implementation in embedded systems. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through file system access and privilege escalation. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these thin clients are often deployed in environments where they may be physically accessible, increasing the likelihood of exploitation through direct system access. Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to address this vulnerability and consider additional security measures such as file system encryption, access controls, and network segmentation to limit potential exploitation. The remediation process requires not only updating firmware but also implementing comprehensive credential management policies to ensure that authentication information is properly protected throughout the system lifecycle. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing in embedded systems development, particularly in environments where authentication credentials are handled.