CVE-2005-2281 in WebEOC
Summary
by MITRE
WebEOC before 6.0.2 uses a weak encryption scheme for passwords, which makes it easier for attackers to crack passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2281 affects WebEOC versions prior to 6.0.2 and represents a critical weakness in the application's password security implementation. This issue stems from the use of inadequate cryptographic algorithms that fail to provide sufficient protection for user credentials stored within the system. The weakness specifically manifests in the encryption scheme employed for password storage, which falls short of modern security standards and creates exploitable vulnerabilities for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to user accounts.
The technical flaw in WebEOC's password handling mechanism involves the implementation of weak encryption algorithms that do not adequately protect sensitive user authentication data. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-326, which addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms, and CWE-310, which covers cryptographic issues in password storage. The system's inability to properly secure passwords through robust encryption means that attackers can potentially reverse-engineer or brute-force password hashes using readily available tools and techniques. The weak encryption scheme essentially provides minimal protection against common cryptographic attacks, making the system particularly vulnerable to credential compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain deeper system control. An attacker exploiting this weakness can systematically crack user passwords, leading to account takeovers, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on WebEOC for critical operations, as compromised credentials can result in significant financial loss, regulatory violations, and reputational damage. The ease with which passwords can be cracked through weak encryption directly violates security principles outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-63B, which emphasizes the importance of strong cryptographic practices for authentication systems.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of WebEOC should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory password policy enforcement, regular security audits, and prompt system updates to version 6.0.2 or later. The recommended approach involves upgrading to a version that implements robust encryption standards such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 for password hashing, which align with the recommendations in the OWASP Authentication Cheat Sheet. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and regular penetration testing can help reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this weakness under T1110, which covers credential access techniques, highlighting the importance of addressing weak encryption as a fundamental security control. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.