CVE-2006-1009 in enigma-suite
Summary
by MITRE
M4 Project enigma-suite before 0.73.3 (Windows) has a default password of "nominal" for the "enigma-client" account, which allows local users to gain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1009 represents a critical security flaw within the M4 Project enigma-suite software version 0.73.3 and earlier on Windows platforms. This issue stems from the improper configuration of default credentials within the software's authentication mechanism, specifically affecting the enigma-client account that is automatically created during installation. The presence of a hardcoded default password of "nominal" creates an inherent security weakness that directly violates fundamental security principles of credential management and access control.
This vulnerability falls under the category of weak default credentials, which is classified as CWE-798 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw represents a significant operational risk as it allows any local user with access to the system to exploit this known credential pair without requiring any specialized knowledge or tools. The default password configuration creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until explicitly changed by administrators, making it particularly dangerous in environments where proper security hardening procedures are not followed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any network connectivity or remote exploitation capabilities, as the access is local to the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a foothold that can be leveraged for further compromise. Local access through the enigma-client account could enable privilege escalation attacks, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Initial Access and Privilege Escalation phases, where adversaries exploit weak credentials to establish persistence within target environments. Attackers could potentially use this access to manipulate system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish covert communication channels.
The primary mitigation strategy involves immediate credential management through password change procedures for the affected enigma-client account. System administrators should ensure that default accounts are either disabled or have their credentials changed to strong, unique values immediately upon installation. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and the requirement for strong authentication mechanisms. Organizations should implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates to software components and establish security policies that mandate the review and modification of default configurations during system deployment. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and the implementation of configuration management standards to prevent the persistence of insecure default settings in deployed software solutions.