CVE-2005-0823 in iPool
Summary
by MITRE
ThePoolClub (1) iPool and (2) iSnooker 1.6.81 and earlier stores usernames and passwords in cleartext in the MyDetails.txt file, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0823 affects ThePoolClub software suite including both iPool and iSnooker versions 1.6.81 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw in how the applications handle authentication credentials, specifically storing user login information in an unencrypted format within a dedicated configuration file named MyDetails.txt. The flaw stems from poor secure coding practices that fail to implement proper credential protection mechanisms, directly violating fundamental security principles for handling sensitive authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's configuration file storage mechanism where usernames and passwords are written in plain text format rather than being encrypted or hashed. This cleartext storage approach creates an inherent security risk because any local user with access to the application's installation directory can simply open the MyDetails.txt file to extract all stored credentials. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in data protection and secure credential storage, aligning with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials). This flaw enables privilege escalation attacks where local users can leverage the extracted credentials to gain unauthorized access to accounts, potentially leading to full system compromise or unauthorized administrative access within the application context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the applications. Local users who can access the MyDetails.txt file can not only obtain login credentials but also potentially impersonate legitimate users, access restricted content, or perform unauthorized actions within the applications. This represents a significant risk in multi-user environments where the application might be installed on shared systems or servers, and where users may not be fully trusted. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows for lateral movement within the system and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, particularly in environments where additional security controls may be absent or insufficient.
Organizations using these vulnerable applications should immediately implement mitigations including restricting file system access to the MyDetails.txt file, implementing proper file permissions, and upgrading to patched versions of the software. The recommended approach involves enforcing least privilege access controls on the configuration files and ensuring that only authorized system administrators can access these sensitive data stores. Additionally, the software should be updated to implement proper encryption for credential storage, aligning with security best practices and standards such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-57 recommendation for cryptographic key management. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential handling and serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principles that must be applied throughout application development processes to prevent similar issues in the future.