CVE-2005-1067 in Access User Class
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in Access_user Class before 1.75 allows local users to gain access as other users via the password "new".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1067 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Access_user class of a software system that was prevalent prior to version 1.75. This issue stems from a design weakness in the user authentication mechanism that allows unauthorized local access to accounts by exploiting a specific password value. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Access_user class handles user authentication and account management functions, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this software component.
The technical flaw manifests when a local attacker exploits the password validation process by using the string "new" as a password value. This particular password choice bypasses normal authentication checks and grants unauthorized access to user accounts within the system. The vulnerability occurs due to inadequate input validation and authentication logic within the Access_user class implementation, where the system fails to properly validate or reject the "new" password value as a legitimate credential. This flaw operates at the application layer and requires local system access to exploit, making it a local privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to assume the identity of other users within the system. This capability can lead to data theft, system compromise, and unauthorized modifications to user accounts or system resources. The vulnerability affects any system where the vulnerable Access_user class is implemented, potentially impacting multiple user accounts and creating a persistent security risk. Organizations using affected software versions face significant exposure to insider threats and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1067 involve immediate software updates to version 1.75 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and enforcing strong password policies that prevent the use of commonly predictable values like "new". The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain access to legitimate user accounts. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.