CVE-2006-4068 in pswd.js
Summary
by MITRE
The pswd.js script relies on the client to calculate whether a username and password match hard-coded hashed values for a server, and uses a hashing scheme that creates a large number of collisions, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct offline brute force attacks. NOTE: this script might also allow attackers to generate the server-side "secret" URL without determining the original password, but this possibility was not discussed by the original researcher.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4068 represents a critical weakness in client-side authentication mechanisms that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of password validation systems. This issue affects the pswd.js script which implements a flawed approach to password verification by delegating the responsibility of password matching to the client-side JavaScript environment. The script contains hardcoded hashed values that are meant to represent legitimate user credentials, but the implementation suffers from a fundamental design flaw that severely compromises security. The vulnerability stems from the script's reliance on a hashing algorithm that produces an excessive number of hash collisions, making it significantly easier for attackers to identify valid credentials through offline brute force techniques. This approach violates the principle of server-side authentication where password verification should occur within a secure server environment rather than being exposed to client-side manipulation.
The technical flaw in this implementation directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues and improper use of cryptographic functions. The script employs a hashing scheme that lacks sufficient entropy and collision resistance properties, creating a scenario where multiple different inputs produce identical hash outputs. This characteristic dramatically reduces the computational complexity required for attackers to discover valid credentials, as they can exploit the collision properties to find alternative inputs that match the hardcoded hash values. The vulnerability enables offline brute force attacks because the hash values are embedded within the client-side script, making them readily accessible to any attacker who can execute the JavaScript code. This exposure creates a direct pathway for attackers to systematically test password candidates against the hardcoded hashes without requiring network interaction or server-side processing.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems relying on the pswd.js script for authentication purposes. Attackers can leverage the hash collisions to bypass traditional password strength requirements and gain unauthorized access to protected resources. The ability to conduct offline brute force attacks means that attackers can perform extensive credential testing without triggering typical network-based detection mechanisms such as account lockout policies or intrusion detection systems. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications where the script is used for basic authentication mechanisms, potentially compromising entire user bases if the same hardcoded hashes are used across multiple accounts. The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as the vulnerability may also enable attackers to generate server-side secret URLs without knowing the original passwords, representing a potential escalation path that could allow unauthorized access to additional system resources or administrative functions.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a fundamental redesign of the authentication mechanism to eliminate client-side password validation. Organizations should implement server-side authentication with proper cryptographic hashing functions such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 that provide adequate collision resistance and computational complexity. The use of salted hashes instead of plain or weakly hashed values is essential to prevent rainbow table attacks and reduce the effectiveness of offline brute force attempts. Additionally, implementing proper session management, rate limiting, and account lockout mechanisms can help detect and prevent automated credential testing attempts. Security practitioners should also consider adopting modern authentication frameworks that separate client-side presentation from server-side validation, ensuring that sensitive cryptographic operations occur within secure server environments. The implementation of proper access control mechanisms and regular security audits can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other authentication scripts and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following established security guidelines and avoiding the implementation of custom cryptographic solutions that have not been thoroughly vetted by the security community.