CVE-2005-2962 in ntlmaps
Summary
by MITRE
the post-installation script for ntlmaps before 0.9.9 sets world-readable permissions for the configuration file which allows local users to obtain the username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2962 affects the ntlmaps software package version 0.9.8 and earlier, specifically targeting the post-installation script execution phase. This security flaw represents a classic privilege escalation issue where improper file permission handling creates an unauthorized access vector for local users. The ntlmaps utility serves as a proxy server that authenticates users to upstream proxies using NTLM authentication, making it a critical component in network infrastructure deployments where proxy authentication is required.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the post-installation script's failure to properly secure the configuration file permissions. When the software installs, the script creates a configuration file that contains sensitive authentication credentials including usernames and passwords. Due to inadequate permission setting, the configuration file is created with world-readable permissions, meaning any local user on the system can access the file through standard file system operations. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security hygiene in the software deployment process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on ntlmaps for proxy authentication. Local users who gain access to the configuration file can extract stored credentials, potentially enabling them to authenticate to upstream proxy servers with the privileges of the configured accounts. This access could allow attackers to bypass network security controls, access restricted resources, or perform man-in-the-middle attacks against proxy communications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is essential for maintaining security boundaries. The issue affects systems where ntlmaps is installed with elevated privileges, as the configuration file permissions are set during the installation process rather than being properly restricted afterward.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 0.9.9 or later, which addresses the permission handling issue. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing ntlmaps installations to identify and correct any improperly configured permission settings on configuration files. The configuration file should be explicitly set with restrictive permissions such as 600 or 640, ensuring only the owner or specific authorized users can read the contents. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security scanning procedures to detect similar permission misconfigurations across their infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001: Unsecured Credentials, highlighting the importance of proper file system permission management in preventing credential exposure attacks.