CVE-2005-4029 in WebEOC
Summary
by MITRE
WebEOC before 6.0.2 allows remote attackers to obtain valid usernames via the HTML source of the WebEOC login webpage, which could be useful in other attacks such as locking out valid users via brute force methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4029 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within WebEOC versions prior to 6.0.2. This weakness stems from the application's improper handling of authentication page source code, where valid usernames are inadvertently exposed through the HTML source of the login webpage. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insecure direct object reference and information exposure, making it particularly dangerous for attackers seeking to enumerate valid user accounts within the system. The flaw directly violates security best practices by providing attackers with readily available credential information that would otherwise require more sophisticated reconnaissance methods.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the WebEOC login page renders user account information in the HTML source code, typically through hidden fields, form elements, or error messages that reveal the existence of specific usernames. Attackers can leverage this information to conduct targeted brute force attacks against the authentication system, as they now possess a known set of valid usernames to test against password lists. This exposure creates a significant attack surface that aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure vulnerabilities, and represents a form of credential enumeration that undermines the fundamental security principle of keeping authentication information confidential. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices that allow sensitive data to leak through application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a pathway for more sophisticated attacks including account lockout through brute force methods and potential credential stuffing attacks across multiple systems. Attackers can systematically test various password combinations against the exposed usernames, increasing their chances of successful authentication while simultaneously creating denial of service conditions through account lockouts. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on WebEOC for business operations, as it provides attackers with a ready-made list of potential targets for further exploitation. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1110 which addresses credential access through brute force methods, demonstrating how information disclosure can enable subsequent attack phases.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to WebEOC version 6.0.2 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Additional protective measures include implementing account lockout policies, enforcing strong password requirements, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns. Security configurations should ensure that login pages do not expose user account information in HTML source code, and that authentication systems properly validate and sanitize all inputs. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify information disclosure vulnerabilities that could compromise authentication systems. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication as a defense-in-depth measure to mitigate the impact of credential exposure, as this vulnerability specifically targets the initial authentication phase where single-factor authentication systems are most vulnerable.