CVE-2006-4676 in RendezVous
Summary
by MITRE
TIBCO RendezVous 7.4.11 and earlier logs base64-encoded usernames and passwords in rvrd.db, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by decoding the log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4676 affects TIBCO RendezVous versions 7.4.11 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper handling of authentication credentials within the system's logging mechanism. This flaw represents a classic case of insecure logging practices where sensitive authentication data is stored in an easily accessible format within the application's database file. The vulnerability specifically impacts the rvrd.db file which serves as the primary database for RendezVous runtime information, making it a critical component for attackers seeking to extract authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's design decision to store base64-encoded authentication credentials in plain text format within the database file. While base64 encoding provides obfuscation rather than encryption, it offers minimal security protection and can be easily reversed by any local user with access to the file. The flaw exists at the application layer where authentication information is processed and stored, creating an attack surface that violates fundamental security principles for credential handling. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials), both of which address the improper protection of sensitive data in storage contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as local users with read access to the rvrd.db file can easily decode the base64 encoded information to obtain valid usernames and passwords. This creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious insiders, compromised local accounts, or attackers who gain local system access through other vectors. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by exposing sensitive authentication data that could enable unauthorized access to the TIBCO RendezVous messaging system and potentially broader network resources. Attackers could leverage these credentials to perform privilege escalation, lateral movement, or gain access to systems that rely on the messaging infrastructure for communication.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is primarily limited to local system access, as the rvrd.db file typically resides on the same system where TIBCO RendezVous is installed and requires local read permissions to access. However, this limitation does not mitigate the risk since local access is often more readily obtained than remote access, particularly in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or where system compromise occurs through other attack vectors. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing for Information) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers could use the extracted credentials for further exploitation. Organizations should implement proper file system permissions, regular security auditing, and credential rotation practices to minimize exposure to this type of attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4676 should focus on immediate remediation through upgrading to TIBCO RendezVous versions that address this logging vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict file access controls on the rvrd.db file and surrounding directories, ensuring that only authorized processes and users can access these sensitive files. Regular security assessments should include checking for the presence of base64 encoded credentials in log files and database entries. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files and credential storage locations. Additionally, implementing proper credential management practices including regular credential rotation and using encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive information would provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating system access controls, implementing principle of least privilege, and ensuring that authentication data is not stored in easily accessible formats within application databases.