CVE-2005-0640 in Unicenter Asset Management
Summary
by MITRE
computer associates (ca) unicenter asset management (uam) 4.0 does not properly initialize the "change credentials for database" window which allows local users to recover the sql admin password via certain methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0640 resides within Computer Associates Unicenter Asset Management version 4.0, a comprehensive asset management solution designed for enterprise environments. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the application's credential handling mechanisms, specifically affecting the database authentication components that are fundamental to system security. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly initialize the "change credentials for database" window, creating an exploitable condition that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of database access controls.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper initialization of user interface elements within the database credential management functionality. When local users interact with the database authentication interface, the application does not properly sanitize or initialize the window parameters that govern credential modification. This initialization failure creates a scenario where sensitive authentication information, particularly the SQL administrator password, becomes accessible through specific exploitation techniques. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures and directly retrieve privileged database credentials, fundamentally undermining the security architecture of the asset management system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to enterprise security infrastructure as it enables local users to gain unauthorized access to critical database systems. The ability to recover SQL administrator passwords through unauthenticated means represents a complete breakdown in the principle of least privilege, allowing attackers to potentially escalate their privileges and access sensitive enterprise data. Organizations utilizing CA Unicenter Asset Management 4.0 face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications to asset records, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any local user with access to the system.
The flaw aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses in the initialization of data structures, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation vulnerabilities. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, as it enables unauthorized credential retrieval through legitimate application interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying available vendor patches, restricting local user access to the application, and implementing additional monitoring for unusual database credential access patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and secure initialization practices in enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive authentication data.