CVE-2005-3801 in passwordsafe
Summary
by MITRE
counterpane passwordsafe 1.x and 2.x allows local users to test possible encryption keys against a subset of the stored key data without performing the more expensive key derivation function (kdf) function which reduces the search time in brute force attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3801 affects Counterpane PasswordSafe versions 1.x and 2.x, representing a significant cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of password storage systems. This flaw resides in the implementation of the encryption mechanism where the application allows local attackers to test potential encryption keys against a limited portion of the stored key data rather than requiring the full key derivation function to be executed for each attempt. The vulnerability specifically targets the password management software's approach to encryption verification, creating a scenario where attackers can perform more efficient brute force attacks against password-protected databases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly enforce the cryptographic key derivation process during authentication attempts. Instead of requiring the computationally expensive key derivation function to be executed for every key guess, the system permits testing against a subset of the key material that has already been processed or partially derived. This design flaw creates a fundamental weakness in the cryptographic protocol where the security of the encryption is weakened by the reduced computational overhead required for each brute force attempt. The vulnerability essentially provides an attack surface that allows adversaries to bypass the intended security measures by focusing their efforts on the less protected portions of the encryption key structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the risk of successful brute force attacks against password-protected databases stored in Counterpane PasswordSafe. The reduced search time for potential encryption keys means that attackers can test a larger number of possible passwords within a given timeframe, making unauthorized access much more likely. The local privilege requirement indicates that the attack can be executed by users who already have access to the system, but the vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include unauthorized data access. This weakness particularly affects organizations that rely on password managers for securing sensitive information, as it fundamentally undermines the cryptographic protection that these tools are designed to provide.
The vulnerability aligns with several common weakness classifications including CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and CWE-312, which covers cleartext storage of sensitive data. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1212 technique for exploitation of software vulnerabilities, specifically targeting the credential access category. The reduced computational cost for key testing directly supports the attacker's ability to conduct more effective brute force or dictionary attacks, making this a critical concern for security practitioners. Organizations should consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized attempts to access password databases, while also recognizing that the fundamental cryptographic implementation requires immediate remediation through software updates or patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and the dangers of shortcuts in security-critical functions that can significantly weaken overall system defenses.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient cryptographic implementation can create exploitable weaknesses in security tools, particularly in password management applications where the integrity of encryption is paramount for protecting sensitive user credentials and data. The combination of local access requirements with the reduced computational overhead for testing encryption keys creates a scenario where the security of the entire password management system is compromised, highlighting the critical need for proper cryptographic protocol design and implementation in security-sensitive applications.