CVE-2005-4002 in WebEOC
Summary
by MITRE
WebEOC before 6.0.2 uses the same secret key for all installations, which allows attackers with the key to decrypt data from any WebEOC installation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4002 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in the WebEOC software ecosystem prior to version 6.0.2. This flaw stems from the implementation of a hardcoded secret key that is shared across all installations of the software, creating a fundamental security breach that undermines the confidentiality guarantees intended by the cryptographic mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the data encryption and decryption processes within the WebEOC platform, which is commonly used for enterprise content management and document handling systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a cryptographic weakness where the same secret key is embedded within the software distribution and utilized for all instances of WebEOC installations. This design decision violates fundamental security principles of key management and creates a single point of failure for the entire system. Attackers who obtain this secret key can decrypt sensitive data from any WebEOC installation that uses the vulnerable version, effectively breaking the confidentiality of all encrypted communications and stored information. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and key management flaws, and specifically relates to CWE-323, which covers the reuse of cryptographic keys across multiple contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the secret key through various means such as code inspection, reverse engineering, or through compromised systems. Organizations utilizing WebEOC prior to version 6.0.2 face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive business documents, confidential communications, and proprietary information. The vulnerability also creates challenges for compliance with data protection regulations, as the same key compromise can affect multiple installations and potentially expose large volumes of data across different organizational boundaries.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.004, which covers unsecured credentials, and T1552.001, which involves data from information repositories. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform lateral movement within networks where WebEOC systems are deployed, potentially gaining access to additional systems and data stores. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the key is embedded within the software itself, making it accessible to anyone with sufficient technical knowledge to extract it from the application binaries. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to WebEOC version 6.0.2 or later, which resolves the hardcoded key issue through proper key generation and management practices. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their WebEOC installations to ensure no unauthorized access has occurred and consider implementing additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic key management and the dangers of hardcoded credentials in enterprise software deployments.