CVE-2006-1050 in Kwik-Pay Payroll
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Kwik-Pay Payroll 4.2.20, and possibly other versions, stores the KwikPay.mdb database file with insecure permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information such as employment and payment data. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: the vendor has disputed this vulnerability, stating that "The kwikpay.mdb file supplied with kwikpay is a template for the database structure of user databases created by kwikpay and to store a demonstration payroll. It does not contain any sensitive user information. When a user payroll database is opened, the encryption of the database is checked and if the database is not encrypted, the user is prompted to encrypt the database, but the choice is the customers."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1050 relates to Kwik-Pay Payroll software version 4.2.20 and potentially other iterations, where the KwikPay.mdb database file is created with insufficient access controls. This represents a classic security misconfiguration issue that falls under CWE-732, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a modified system. The flaw occurs at the file system level where database permissions are not properly enforced, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure. Security researchers identified that local users could access sensitive employment and payment data through these insecure file permissions, making this a significant concern for payroll data protection. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign database files can become critical attack vectors when proper access controls are not implemented.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure database files during the installation or runtime process. When the KwikPay.mdb file is created, it does not implement appropriate file system permissions that would restrict access to only authorized processes or users. This misconfiguration allows any local user to potentially read the database file directly, bypassing the application's intended security controls. The issue is particularly concerning because payroll databases inherently contain highly sensitive information including employee Social Security numbers, salary details, tax information, and other personal identifiers. The lack of proper file permissions creates an information disclosure scenario that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system storage.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could result in significant data breaches and compliance violations for organizations using the affected software. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential identity theft, financial fraud, and regulatory penalties under data protection laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX requirements. The fact that the vendor has disputed this vulnerability adds complexity to the assessment, as it suggests there may be confusion regarding the actual nature of the database file and its contents. However, the potential for unauthorized access remains a valid concern that organizations must address through proper file system access controls. The vendor's statement about the database being a template for user databases and containing demonstration payroll data may be technically accurate but does not eliminate the risk of improper file permissions that could expose actual user data.
Organizations should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including proper file system permission management, regular security audits, and database encryption practices. The solution involves ensuring that database files are created with appropriate access controls that restrict read access to only authorized applications and users. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security management. Additionally, implementing database encryption, as mentioned in the vendor's statement, provides an additional layer of protection even if file system permissions are compromised. The remediation should also include regular monitoring of file system access and implementing proper database access controls that prevent unauthorized reading of sensitive payroll information. Organizations must also consider the broader context of data protection and ensure that all payroll-related data is handled according to applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards for financial and personnel data protection.