CVE-2005-0002 in Poppassd Pam
Summary
by MITRE
poppassd_pam 1.0 and earlier, when changing a user password, does not verify that the user entered the old password correctly, which allows remote attackers to change passwords for arbitrary users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0002 affects poppassd_pam versions 1.0 and earlier, specifically within the password change functionality of the poppassd service. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the fundamental security controls designed to protect user accounts. The service operates as a POP3 password change daemon that allows users to modify their passwords through a network connection, typically used in email systems where users need to update credentials without direct system access.
The technical flaw lies in the improper validation of authentication credentials during the password change process. When a user attempts to change their password, the system fails to verify that the original password entered is correct before proceeding with the modification. This design oversight creates a scenario where any remote attacker can manipulate the password change process by simply providing a valid username and a new password without needing to know the existing password. The vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input validation and authentication checking mechanisms within the password change routine.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across multiple security domains. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts by changing passwords for arbitrary users, effectively enabling account takeover attacks. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and authentication integrity, allowing malicious actors to assume control of user accounts without proper authorization. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of user data, as compromised accounts can be used for further attacks, data exfiltration, or malicious activities within the targeted system.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-287, which specifically addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various attack vectors, and T1078, which deals with valid accounts usage. Organizations utilizing affected poppassd_pam versions face significant risk of unauthorized account access, potential data breaches, and compromised user credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the security architecture of authentication services and highlights the importance of proper credential verification in all user management operations.
The recommended mitigations include immediate patching of the affected software to version 1.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper password verification. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to the poppassd service, enforce strong authentication mechanisms for the service itself, and monitor for suspicious password change activities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper access controls are implemented. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication and regular security audits can help mitigate the risk of exploitation and provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities.