CVE-2006-5600 in server
Summary
by MITRE
Axalto Protiva 1.1, possibly only non-commercial versions, stores passwords in plaintext in files with insecure permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges by reading the passwords from (1) KeyTool\keytool.config or (2) webapps\protiva\WEB-INF\classes\authserver.config.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5600 represents a critical security flaw in Axalto Protiva 1.1 software, specifically affecting non-commercial versions of the application. This issue stems from poor configuration practices where sensitive authentication credentials are stored in plain text format within configuration files that lack proper access controls. The vulnerability exposes a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture by failing to implement proper credential protection mechanisms, creating an avenue for privilege escalation through local system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack vectors within the application's file structure. The first vector involves the KeyTool\keytool.config file which contains plaintext passwords that are accessible to any local user with read permissions. The second vector targets the webapps\protiva\WEB-INF directory where additional password credentials are stored in an unsecured format. Both locations demonstrate a clear failure in implementing proper file system permissions and encryption practices that should be standard for any security-sensitive application. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and CWE-276, which covers insecure file permissions that allow unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass full system compromise potential. Local users who can access these configuration files gain immediate access to administrative credentials that could enable them to manipulate application settings, modify user permissions, access restricted data, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The low complexity of exploitation combined with the high privilege potential makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system or where the application runs with elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative control, potentially compromising the entire security infrastructure of the protected system.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability by ensuring that all credential files are properly secured with restrictive file permissions and encrypted storage mechanisms. The recommended mitigations include implementing mandatory access controls that prevent unauthorized read access to sensitive configuration files, establishing regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities, and deploying automated tools to monitor file system permissions. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations, ensuring that applications only have access to the minimum required permissions to function properly. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security frameworks such as those defined in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix, specifically addressing techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar insecure storage practices within their application portfolios and implement proper cryptographic solutions to protect sensitive data at rest.