CVE-2005-0517 in peerftp_5
Summary
by MITRE
peerftp_5 stores sensitive information such as passwords in plaintext in the peerftp.ini files which allows local users to gain privileges.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0517 represents a critical security flaw in the peerftp_5 software where sensitive authentication data is stored in an unencrypted format within configuration files. This issue stems from poor secure coding practices and inadequate data protection mechanisms that fail to implement proper encryption or access controls for sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically affects the peerftp.ini configuration file which contains plaintext passwords, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries who gain access to the system. According to the CWE taxonomy, this corresponds to CWE-312, which categorizes insecure data storage as a weakness that occurs when sensitive data is stored without adequate protection mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management, as it allows local users to potentially escalate their privileges by accessing these unencrypted credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's configuration management system where authentication credentials are persisted in plain text format rather than being encrypted or hashed. When peerftp_5 initializes its configuration, it reads the peerftp.ini file and processes the stored passwords without any form of cryptographic protection. This creates a persistent security risk where any local user with read access to the configuration file can directly extract the plaintext credentials. The operational impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these passwords may be used for multiple systems or services, potentially enabling lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as local users already have access to the file system where the configuration files are stored. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" and describes how attackers can harvest credentials from files that are not properly secured.
The privilege escalation potential of this vulnerability is significant since the stored passwords could provide access to additional systems or services that the local user might not otherwise have access to. Attackers can leverage these credentials to move laterally within the network, potentially gaining access to more sensitive systems or data repositories. The impact is further amplified when considering that many organizations store multiple credentials in similar configuration files, creating a cascading effect where a single compromised file can lead to broader system compromise. This vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure data handling that violates fundamental security principles and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper encryption for sensitive data at rest. Organizations should implement mandatory encryption for all sensitive configuration data and establish strict access controls for configuration files to prevent unauthorized access to plaintext credentials. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security audits of configuration management systems and the implementation of automated tools to detect and remediate insecure data storage practices across all software components.