CVE-2007-0163 in Steganography
Summary
by MITRE
SecureKit Steganography 1.7.1 and 1.8 embeds password information in the carrier file, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication requirements and decrypt embedded steganography by replacing the last 20 bytes of the JPEG image with alternate password information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0163 represents a critical flaw in the SecureKit Steganography software version 1.7.1 and 1.8 where password information becomes embedded within the carrier file itself. This design decision creates a fundamental security weakness that directly undermines the authentication mechanisms intended to protect steganographic content. The flaw specifically manifests when the software stores password data in the last 20 bytes of JPEG image files, making this information accessible to unauthorized parties who can manipulate the file structure to extract or modify the embedded credentials. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) as it exposes authentication data in an easily accessible location within the steganographic carrier.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication requirements through a straightforward manipulation technique. By replacing the last 20 bytes of a JPEG image that contains embedded steganography, an attacker can effectively substitute the original password information with their own credentials. This approach exploits the predictable storage location of password data within the carrier file format, making the attack surface extremely broad and easily executable. The method demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as it leverages the inherent properties of the steganography implementation to gain unauthorized access to protected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data exfiltration and confidentiality breaches. When attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms through simple file manipulation, they gain access to any steganographically embedded information without requiring additional attack vectors or sophisticated techniques. This weakness effectively nullifies the security benefits that steganography is designed to provide, as the embedded content becomes accessible to anyone who can identify and manipulate the password storage location. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the entire steganographic communication channel, potentially exposing sensitive information that was intended to remain concealed through proper authentication protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure of password information and the underlying design flaw in the software implementation. Organizations should immediately cease using affected versions of SecureKit Steganography and implement alternative steganography solutions that do not embed authentication credentials within carrier files. The recommended approach involves redesigning the authentication mechanism to store password information separately from the carrier file or implement proper cryptographic protection for embedded credentials. Security measures should include regular file integrity checks to detect unauthorized modifications and implement network monitoring to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper cryptographic implementation as outlined in NIST SP 800-57 and ISO/IEC 15408 standards, particularly in the context of steganographic and cryptographic applications where credential exposure can lead to complete system compromise.