CVE-2006-1284 in Norton Ghost
Summary
by MITRE
The installation of SQLAnywhere in Symantec Ghost 8.0 and 8.2, as used in Symantec Ghost Solutions Suite (SGSS) 1.0, includes a default administrator login account and password, which allows local users to gain privileges or modify tasks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1284 represents a critical security flaw in the Symantec Ghost Solutions Suite version 1.0, specifically affecting SQL Anywhere database installations within the software ecosystem. This issue stems from poor security configuration practices during the software deployment process, where default administrative credentials are hardcoded and remain unchanged in production environments. The vulnerability affects both Symantec Ghost 8.0 and 8.2 versions, indicating a widespread problem across multiple iterations of the software. The presence of default administrative accounts with known passwords creates an inherent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers who have access to the system. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles including the principle of least privilege and the need for strong authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of hardcoded administrative credentials within the SQL Anywhere database installation that is part of the Symantec Ghost Solutions Suite. These default credentials provide full administrative access to the database system, enabling attackers to perform privileged operations such as modifying database schemas, accessing sensitive data, and altering system configurations. The vulnerability exists at the configuration level rather than through a code execution flaw or buffer overflow, making it particularly concerning as it requires no complex exploitation techniques. Local users who can access the system can simply use the default administrative credentials to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure. This type of vulnerability is classified as a weak authentication mechanism under CWE-521, which specifically addresses weak password requirements and the use of default credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited for extended periods. Attackers with local access can leverage these default credentials to modify critical tasks within the Ghost Solutions Suite, potentially disrupting system operations or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire database system, as the default administrative account provides unrestricted access to all database objects and operations. This weakness can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Ghost Solutions Suite is used for system imaging and deployment operations, as it could allow attackers to modify deployment configurations or access confidential system data. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can exploit this vulnerability, making it a significant concern for organizations that do not properly secure their local user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate credential management and configuration hardening. Organizations should immediately change the default administrative passwords for all SQL Anywhere installations within the Symantec Ghost Solutions Suite environment. The recommended approach includes implementing strong password policies that enforce complex credentials with sufficient entropy and regular password rotation schedules. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of all installed software to identify other instances of default credentials that may exist within the environment. The use of privilege separation and least privilege principles should be enforced, ensuring that database accounts have only the minimum permissions necessary for their specific functions. Additionally, organizations should implement proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to database systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software installation practices and the necessity of reviewing default configurations before deploying enterprise software solutions. The remediation process should also include updating to newer versions of Symantec Ghost Solutions Suite where such default credential issues have been addressed. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to critical systems where such vulnerabilities may exist. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security configuration management and the need for comprehensive security testing during software deployment processes.