CVE-2005-2209 in ScanShare
Summary
by MITRE
Capturix ScanShare 1.06 build 50 stores sensitive information such as the password in cleartext in capturixss_cfg.ini, which is readable by local users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2209 represents a critical security flaw in Capturix ScanShare 1.06 build 50 that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper configuration file handling. This issue falls under the category of insecure credential storage, where the application fails to implement adequate protection mechanisms for storing authentication information. The vulnerability specifically affects the capturixss_cfg.ini configuration file which contains user passwords in plain text format, making them easily accessible to any local user with read permissions on the system. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of security awareness in the application's design and implementation phases, as it directly violates established security principles for protecting sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local file system access where any user with sufficient privileges can simply read the configuration file to extract stored passwords. The cleartext storage approach means that passwords are not encrypted or hashed in any manner, rendering them immediately usable by attackers who gain access to the file. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 as "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" and represents a classic example of poor input validation and output handling practices. The configuration file serves as an attack vector that allows privilege escalation and lateral movement within a compromised system, as the extracted credentials can be used to access additional resources or services that rely on the same authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent security risk for organizations using this particular software version. Local users who might not have legitimate access to sensitive systems can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to network resources, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further exploitation. The vulnerability affects the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to authentication data that should remain protected through proper encryption or access controls. This weakness particularly impacts environments where multiple users share the same system or where local privilege escalation is possible, as it provides a direct path to authentication credentials without requiring additional attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and the underlying design flaw in the application. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper password encryption or hashing mechanisms within the application's configuration file handling, ensuring that sensitive information is never stored in cleartext format. Organizations should also implement strict file system permissions that limit access to configuration files containing sensitive data, ensuring that only authorized processes can read these files. Additionally, the application should be updated to a version that properly implements secure credential storage practices, which aligns with the recommendations found in the NIST SP 800-63 standard for authentication and credential management. System administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and configuration files, as this represents a common pattern of insecure data handling that requires systematic remediation across all software components.