CVE-2004-2414 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
novell netware 6.5 sp 1.1 when installing or upgrading using the overlay cds and performing a custom installation with openssh includes sensitive password information in the (1) nioutput.txt and (2) ni.log log files which might allow local users to obtain the passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2414 represents a critical security flaw in Novell NetWare 6.5 Service Pack 1.1 during installation and upgrade processes. This issue specifically manifests when users employ overlay CDs and perform custom installations that include OpenSSH components. The flaw stems from improper handling of sensitive information during the installation lifecycle, creating persistent security risks that extend beyond the immediate installation phase. The vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of authentication credentials within the system's operational environment.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the creation of log files that contain cleartext password information during the installation process. The nioutput.txt and ni.log files serve as repositories for installation metadata and configuration parameters, but in this case they inadvertently store password credentials in an unencrypted format. This represents a fundamental failure in secure logging practices and demonstrates poor information sanitization during system configuration operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," though it more accurately reflects CWE-312, "Sensitive Data Exposure," due to the persistent storage of credentials in log files. The flaw enables local privilege escalation and credential theft through simple file access operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the initial installation phase, as the log files remain accessible to local users who may not possess administrative privileges. This creates a persistent backdoor for attackers who can exploit the stored credentials to gain unauthorized access to the system and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability affects system administrators who may unknowingly expose sensitive information through standard installation procedures, creating a significant risk for enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to the system. Attackers can leverage this information to compromise not only the local system but potentially other networked systems where these credentials might be reused or shared.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2414 require immediate implementation of secure log file handling practices during system installation and upgrade processes. Organizations should ensure that installation procedures automatically sanitize or encrypt sensitive information before writing to log files, and that log files are properly secured with appropriate access controls. System administrators must verify that log files are not accessible to unauthorized local users and that sensitive information is properly masked or removed from installation logs. The remediation process should include immediate patching of the affected Novell NetWare version and implementation of proper access controls for log file directories. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing comprehensive access control policies as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing. Organizations should conduct regular security audits to ensure that installation processes do not inadvertently expose sensitive information and that proper logging practices are maintained throughout the system lifecycle.