CVE-2005-0521 in sendlink
Summary
by MITRE
sendlink 1.5 stores sensitive information possibly including passwords in plaintext in the data.eat file which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0521 affects the sendlink 1.5 software implementation, specifically targeting how it handles sensitive data storage within its configuration file structure. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user credentials and system access information. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of authentication data, where it persistently stores login credentials and potentially other sensitive system information in an unencrypted format within the data.eat file located within the application's data directory. This plaintext storage mechanism creates an exploitable condition that allows local adversaries to directly access and extract sensitive information without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or complex attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data storage practices. The flaw operates at the application level where the sendlink software fails to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data elements stored in its configuration files. When local users can access the data.eat file through standard file system permissions or privilege escalation techniques, they gain immediate access to potentially valuable authentication credentials that could be used for unauthorized system access or privilege escalation within the affected environment. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security design practices in the application's data handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader privilege escalation capabilities that could enable attackers to compromise entire system access controls. Local users who can read the data.eat file gain access to authentication tokens, passwords, and potentially other sensitive configuration parameters that could facilitate further attacks within the compromised system. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the application operates and the insecure data.eat file exists, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access is possible. Attackers could leverage this information to establish persistent access to systems, conduct reconnaissance activities, or escalate privileges to higher-level administrative accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0521 should focus on immediate remediation through proper cryptographic implementation and access control measures. System administrators should immediately implement file system permissions that restrict access to the data.eat file to only the application process and authorized administrators, while also considering the implementation of encryption for sensitive data elements stored within the application's configuration files. The solution approach should align with the ATT&CK framework's defensive strategies for credential access and privilege escalation, particularly focusing on reducing the attack surface through proper file system access controls and implementing proper data encryption techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits to identify and remediate similar insecure data storage practices within their application environments, ensuring that all sensitive information is properly protected through industry-standard cryptographic methods and access control mechanisms.