CVE-2005-2076 in Version Control Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
hp version control repository manager (vcrm) before 2.1.1.730 does not properly handle the "@" character in a proxy password which could allow attackers with physical access to obtain portions of the password when it is displayed to the screen.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2076 affects the Hewlett-Packard Version Control Repository Manager (VCRM) software version 2.1.1.730 and earlier. This issue represents a significant security flaw in how the system processes authentication credentials, specifically when proxy passwords contain the "@" character. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the VCRM's credential management subsystem, creating a potential exposure point for sensitive authentication data.
The technical flaw manifests when the VCRM software displays proxy authentication information on screen during connection establishment. The system fails to properly sanitize or escape the "" character within proxy passwords, causing the display mechanism to interpret this character in unexpected ways. This improper handling creates a scenario where portions of the password may be visible to unauthorized individuals who have physical access to the system. The vulnerability specifically exploits the interaction between the password display routine and the special character processing logic, where the "" symbol's presence disrupts normal output formatting and reveals partial credential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a vector for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to version control repositories. An attacker with physical access to a system running vulnerable VCRM software could observe displayed passwords and potentially reconstruct complete authentication credentials. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where unauthorized personnel might gain access to systems during maintenance windows or other operational periods. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security principle of credential protection and could lead to unauthorized modifications of version-controlled software assets, potentially compromising entire development workflows.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and CWE-254, "Security Features," as it demonstrates inadequate validation of user input and insufficient protection of security-relevant information. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1555.003, "Credentials from Password Stores," as it provides a method for extracting authentication credentials through screen exposure rather than traditional credential harvesting techniques. Organizations implementing VCRM solutions should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.1.1.730 or later, which contains proper input sanitization for special characters in proxy authentication credentials. Additionally, system administrators should implement additional physical security controls and consider alternative authentication methods such as certificate-based authentication to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring of authentication events can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that all authentication mechanisms properly handle special characters without exposing credential information through display routines.