CVE-2005-0496 in Arkeia
Summary
by MITRE
Arkeia Network Backup Client 5.x contains hard-coded credentials that effectively serve as a back door, which allows remote attackers to access the file system and possibly execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0496 represents a critical security flaw in Arkeia Network Backup Client version 5.x that stems from the inclusion of hard-coded credentials within the software implementation. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of hardcoded credentials as classified by CWE-798, where sensitive authentication information is embedded directly into the application code rather than being dynamically managed or stored securely. The presence of these hard-coded credentials creates an inherent backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures and provides unauthorized access to the system.
The technical flaw manifests through the inclusion of default usernames and passwords that are embedded within the backup client software, typically in configuration files or source code. These credentials are often set to common values such as admin/admin or root/root, making them easily discoverable by attackers who are familiar with the software or can perform basic reconnaissance. When an attacker successfully connects to the backup client service using these hardcoded credentials, they gain access to the underlying file system through the backup client interface. This access level typically includes read and write permissions to the files and directories that the backup service can access, potentially extending to system-level privileges depending on how the service is configured and executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can potentially enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This capability arises because the backup client service often runs with elevated privileges to perform backup operations, and the hardcoded credentials provide a path to leverage these elevated permissions for malicious activities. Attackers can use this access to exfiltrate sensitive data, modify backup configurations, or even install malware on the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the backup infrastructure, which is often considered a trusted component of the network security posture, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access or to compromise backup data integrity.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack chain framework, where it represents a privilege escalation and initial access vector that can be leveraged by threat actors. The MITRE ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access techniques, specifically through the use of default credentials or hard-coded credentials as a means to establish a foothold within the network. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including updating to patched versions of the Arkeia Network Backup Client, removing or changing the hardcoded credentials, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all backup systems. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of backup service communications can help detect unauthorized access attempts and provide early warning of potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure credential management practices and the dangers of embedding authentication information directly within application code, reinforcing the need for proper security development lifecycle practices and regular security audits of third-party software components.