CVE-2006-3816 in Krusader
Summary
by MITRE
Krusader 1.50-beta1 up to 1.70.0 stores passwords for remote connections in cleartext in the bookmark file (krbookmarks.xml), which allows attackers to steal passwords by obtaining the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3816 affects Krusader versions 1.50-beta1 through 1.70.0, representing a critical security flaw in how the file manager handles remote connection credentials. This issue manifests in the improper storage of sensitive authentication data within the krbookmarks.xml configuration file, where passwords for remote connections are saved in plaintext format rather than being encrypted or obfuscated. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and demonstrates a clear lack of proper cryptographic practices in handling sensitive user information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Krusader's bookmarking functionality, which allows users to save remote server connections for quick access. When users configure remote connections such as FTP, SFTP, or other network protocols, the application stores these credentials in the krbookmarks.xml file without implementing any form of encryption or obfuscation. This cleartext storage approach creates an inherent security risk where any entity with access to the file system can directly read and extract the stored passwords, effectively bypassing any authentication mechanisms that might otherwise protect the remote systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to remote systems that may contain sensitive data or serve as entry points to larger network infrastructures. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including local file system access, privilege escalation scenarios, or through compromised user accounts that have access to the configuration files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used file manager application and can potentially compromise multiple remote connections simultaneously, as all stored credentials are accessible through a single file access operation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling practices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique under the T1555.003 sub-technique, specifically involving the use of credentials from password storage modules, which can be directly leveraged for lateral movement and persistent access within compromised environments. Organizations using affected versions of Krusader face significant risk of unauthorized access to remote systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through version upgrades to Krusader 1.70.1 or later, which addresses the cleartext storage issue. Users should also implement additional protective measures including restricting file system permissions on the krbookmarks.xml file, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and implementing alternative authentication methods such as SSH keys or Kerberos tickets. System administrators should consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regular security audits to detect and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure credential storage practices and demonstrates how seemingly simple implementation flaws can create significant security risks in widely deployed applications.