CVE-2006-6949 in FTPServer
Summary
by MITRE
Conti FTPServer 1.0 Build 2.8 stores user passwords in cleartext in MyServerSettings.ini, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6949 represents a critical security flaw in Conti FTPServer version 1.0 Build 2.8 where user credentials are stored in an unencrypted format within the MyServerSettings.ini configuration file. This issue falls under the category of insecure credential storage, specifically addressing the improper handling of authentication data that exposes sensitive information to unauthorized parties. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure application design where confidential data should be protected through appropriate cryptographic mechanisms rather than being stored in plain text format.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's configuration file management approach where administrative and user authentication details are persisted without any form of encryption or obfuscation. When the FTP server operates, it writes user credentials directly to the MyServerSettings.ini file in cleartext format, making them immediately accessible to any local user who can read the file. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and constitutes a clear example of CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any special privileges beyond basic file system access, making it exploitable by any user with local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with immediate access to legitimate user credentials that can be used for further unauthorized activities. Local users who gain access to the MyServerSettings.ini file can extract usernames and passwords, potentially enabling them to authenticate to the FTP server and gain access to stored files, modify configurations, or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 - Unsecured Credentials, where adversaries exploit weak credential storage mechanisms to obtain sensitive information. The exposure of these credentials creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable application is running and the configuration file remains accessible.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper credential encryption and access controls. The most effective solution involves implementing encrypted storage mechanisms for authentication data, ensuring that passwords are hashed with appropriate algorithms such as bcrypt or scrypt rather than stored in cleartext format. System administrators should also implement strict file permissions on the MyServerSettings.ini file to restrict access to only authorized processes and users. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar credential storage issues across the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why security-by-design principles must be implemented from the initial development phase, emphasizing the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish regular patch management procedures to address known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.