CVE-2005-4849 in Derby
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Derby before 10.1.2.1 exposes the (1) user and (2) password attributes in cleartext via (a) the RDBNAM parameter of the ACCSEC command and (b) the output of the DatabaseMetaData.getURL function, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
Apache Derby version 10.1.2.1 and earlier contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes user credentials and passwords in cleartext format through multiple attack vectors. This vulnerability resides in the database management system's handling of authentication parameters and connection metadata, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Derby for database operations. The flaw manifests when the RDBNAM parameter within the ACCSEC command includes user and password information in plaintext, while the DatabaseMetaData.getURL function also returns sensitive connection details without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within Derby's authentication and connection management components. When applications interact with Derby databases, the system fails to properly obscure or encrypt sensitive authentication parameters during command execution and metadata retrieval processes. This cleartext exposure occurs at multiple points in the database interaction lifecycle, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can leverage these vectors to gather authentication credentials without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper handling of sensitive data, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage and transmission practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to database resources and potentially escalate privileges within the system. Context-dependent attackers can exploit this weakness by monitoring network traffic or accessing system logs where the cleartext credentials are exposed, allowing them to authenticate as legitimate users and access sensitive data. The exposure affects database administrators and applications that rely on Derby's connection metadata functionality, creating potential for data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and system compromise. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where Derby is used for enterprise applications, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of database access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Apache Derby version 10.1.2.1 or later, which addresses this information disclosure vulnerability through proper credential sanitization and encryption of sensitive parameters. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect and alert on cleartext credential exposure patterns, while application developers should review their code to ensure proper handling of DatabaseMetaData.getURL outputs and ACCSEC command parameters. Security configurations should enforce encrypted connections and implement proper access controls to limit exposure of database connection details. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in database management systems and ensure compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics, specifically focusing on credential dumping and insecure credential storage techniques.