CVE-2005-2285 in WebEOC
Summary
by MITRE
WebEOC before 6.0.2 stores sensitive information in locations such as URIs, web pages, and configuration files, which allows remote attackers to obtain information such as Usernames, Passwords, Emergency information, medical information, and system configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2285 affects WebEOC versions prior to 6.0.2, representing a critical security flaw in information disclosure mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive data throughout its architecture, specifically manifesting in how it stores and manages confidential information across multiple system components. The flaw creates an environment where attackers can systematically extract sensitive data through various access points that should remain protected from unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's storage practices within Uniform Resource Identifiers, web page content, and configuration files. This represents a fundamental failure in data protection principles where sensitive information flows through multiple exposure points without adequate sanitization or encryption. The vulnerability directly enables attackers to harvest usernames, passwords, emergency information, medical records, and system configuration details through simple retrieval methods that exploit the insecure data storage patterns. This flaw operates at the intersection of poor input validation and inadequate output sanitization, creating multiple attack vectors for information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2285 is severe and multifaceted, particularly for healthcare environments where WebEOC systems are commonly deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to patient medical information, which constitutes a direct violation of healthcare privacy regulations such as HIPAA. The exposure of system configuration details provides adversaries with valuable intelligence for subsequent attacks, while credentials obtained through this method could enable full system compromise. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable privilege escalation and lateral movement within affected networks, making it a significant threat to overall system security.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of insecure data handling practices. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including credential access through data breaches and reconnaissance activities focused on information gathering. The attack surface is particularly broad given that the vulnerability affects URI parameters, web page content, and configuration files, creating numerous opportunities for exploitation. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish robust data classification policies to prevent sensitive information from being stored in accessible locations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2285 require immediate attention through software updates to WebEOC 6.0.2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators must conduct thorough audits of existing configurations to identify and remove sensitive information from publicly accessible locations, implementing proper data sanitization protocols. The remediation process should include implementing secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being stored in URIs or exposed in web page content. Organizations should also establish network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of sensitive information, while implementing regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. Additionally, comprehensive staff training on secure data handling practices and regular vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent recurrence of such information disclosure issues.