CVE-2006-3785 in pcAnywhere
Summary
by MITRE
Symantec pcAnywhere 12.5 obfuscates the passwords in a GUI textbox with asterisks but does not encrypt them in the associated .cif (aka caller or CallerID) file, which allows local users to obtain the passwords from the window using tools such as Nirsoft Asterwin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3785 affects Symantec pcAnywhere version 12.5, a remote desktop management tool widely used for system administration and remote access. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's handling of authentication credentials, specifically targeting how passwords are stored and protected within the software's configuration files. The issue manifests in the application's user interface design where passwords are visually obscured using asterisk characters in text fields, creating a false sense of security for users who believe their credentials are adequately protected.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the application's inconsistent approach to password protection mechanisms. While the graphical user interface employs visual obfuscation through asterisks to hide password input, the underlying system fails to implement proper encryption for password storage in the associated .cif files. These configuration files serve as persistent storage for connection parameters including user credentials, making them critical targets for unauthorized access. The absence of encryption in the .cif file format creates a direct pathway for credential exposure, as the actual password values remain stored in plain text format within the file system.
This vulnerability creates significant operational impact for organizations relying on Symantec pcAnywhere for remote administration tasks. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness using readily available third-party tools such as Nirsoft Asterwin, which are specifically designed to extract sensitive information from Windows applications. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise and provides immediate access to authentication credentials, potentially enabling privilege escalation, unauthorized system access, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of credential protection, as the application's visual security measures do not extend to the persistent storage mechanisms.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a classic example of inadequate data protection at rest. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (T1552.001: Unsecured Credentials) in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, demonstrating how weak credential storage practices can be exploited by adversaries. Organizations using this version of pcAnywhere face increased risk of credential compromise, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where security controls are insufficient. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core functionality of the application, making it a high-priority target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate application of vendor patches or updates to resolve the password storage issue, implementation of additional access controls to limit local system access, and deployment of monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access attempts. Organizations should also consider transitioning to more modern remote access solutions that implement proper encryption for credential storage and follow current security best practices. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other legacy applications. The remediation process must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security practices to prevent similar issues in future deployments.