CVE-2005-1078 in Apache Distribution
Summary
by MITRE
XAMPP 1.4.x has multiple default or null passwords, which allows attackers to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1078 affects XAMPP versions 1.4.x and represents a critical security flaw related to weak authentication mechanisms. XAMPP, which stands for XAMPP Apache MySQL PHP Perl, is a free and open-source cross-platform web server solution package that includes Apache HTTP server, MySQL database, PHP, and Perl. This particular vulnerability stems from the default configuration where numerous services within the XAMPP suite are configured with hardcoded or null passwords that remain unchanged after installation. The flaw creates an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized users to access administrative interfaces and gain elevated privileges without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the authentication layer where default credentials are not properly secured or changed during the installation process. Attackers can leverage these predictable credentials to access various components including the MySQL database management interface, phpMyAdmin, and other administrative panels that are part of the XAMPP distribution. The null passwords and weak default credentials provide a direct path to privilege escalation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate database contents, modify web applications, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which identifies the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, which addresses the use of weak passwords.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits these default credentials can perform database manipulation, execute arbitrary code through web application interfaces, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full system control. The vulnerability affects organizations that fail to properly secure their development environments or production systems running XAMPP 1.4.x, creating opportunities for data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. This weakness particularly impacts web development teams and small organizations that may not fully understand the security implications of default configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1078 require immediate action to address the default credential exposure. System administrators should implement mandatory credential changes during XAMPP installation, enforce strong password policies for all administrative accounts, and regularly audit system configurations to ensure default passwords have been removed. Organizations should follow security best practices outlined in the NIST SP 800-53 framework, specifically addressing access control and configuration management controls. The remediation process includes changing all default passwords for MySQL, phpMyAdmin, and other services, disabling unnecessary services, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining weak authentication mechanisms within the XAMPP installation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security hardening and the principle of least privilege as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's credential access and privilege escalation tactics.