CVE-2004-2454 in aMSN
Summary
by MITRE
aMSN 0.90 for Microsoft Windows allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as hashed passwords from (1) hotlog.htm and (2) config.xml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2454 affects aMSN version 0.90 running on Microsoft Windows systems, representing a significant security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication data to local attackers. This issue stems from improper handling of configuration files within the application's file structure, specifically targeting two critical files that store user authentication credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in access control mechanisms and data protection practices that were prevalent in instant messaging applications during this era of software development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure storage of password hashes within the application's configuration files, namely hotlog.htm and config.xml. These files contain sensitive information that should be protected from unauthorized access, yet they are accessible to local users who can directly read their contents. The flaw essentially creates a privilege escalation scenario where local users can extract hashed passwords without requiring additional authentication credentials, which directly violates fundamental security principles of data protection and access control. This represents a classic case of insecure storage of sensitive information, categorized under CWE-312 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive data through improper storage mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses serious risks to user security and privacy within the affected environment. Local attackers who can access these configuration files gain access to password hashes that can potentially be subjected to offline dictionary attacks or brute force attempts, depending on the hashing algorithm used. The vulnerability effectively undermines the security of the entire instant messaging application ecosystem, as users may unknowingly store their credentials in an insecure manner. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003.001 for OS credential dumping, where adversaries extract password hashes from system files, though in this case the extraction occurs locally rather than through more sophisticated exploitation methods.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of proper file access controls and secure configuration management practices. System administrators should ensure that sensitive configuration files are protected through appropriate file permissions, restricting access to authorized users only. The application should be updated to implement proper encryption mechanisms for storing authentication data, and developers should adopt secure coding practices that prevent sensitive information from being stored in plaintext or easily accessible formats. Additionally, regular security audits of application configuration files should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following security best practices in application development, particularly regarding the secure handling of authentication data and proper implementation of access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized information disclosure.