CVE-2007-0889 in CatTools
Summary
by MITRE
Kiwi CatTools before 3.2.0 beta uses weak encryption ("reversible encoding") for passwords, account names, and IP addresses in kiwidb-cattools.kdb, which might allow local users to gain sensitive information by decrypting the file. NOTE: this issue could be leveraged with a directory traversal vulnerability for a remote attack vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0889 affects Kiwi CatTools versions prior to 3.2.0 beta and represents a critical weakness in the software's data protection mechanisms. This issue resides in the kiwidb-cattools.kdb database file where sensitive information including passwords, account names, and IP addresses are stored using weak reversible encoding rather than strong cryptographic encryption. The fundamental flaw lies in the implementation of what appears to be a simple obfuscation technique that can be easily reversed, effectively rendering the encryption protection meaningless from a security perspective.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the use of reversible encoding methods that do not provide adequate protection against unauthorized access. When local users can access the kiwidb-cattools.kdb file, they can easily decrypt its contents and extract sensitive authentication credentials and network information. This weakness directly violates security best practices and represents a classic example of insufficient data protection as outlined in CWE-310. The vulnerability creates a path for privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks where the tool is deployed, as attackers can obtain valid credentials for system access and network reconnaissance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond local privilege escalation due to its potential integration with other security flaws. The description specifically notes that this issue can be leveraged with directory traversal vulnerabilities to create remote attack vectors, demonstrating how a single weakness can compound into more severe security breaches. This combination approach allows attackers to potentially execute remote code execution or unauthorized access to systems that would otherwise be protected by proper network segmentation and access controls. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties without proper authorization mechanisms.
Organizations using affected versions of Kiwi CatTools face significant risks including credential theft, unauthorized network access, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's local attack surface makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the system, as any user with file system access can potentially extract sensitive information. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Unsecured Credentials" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts" as it provides access to legitimate user credentials that can be used for further exploitation. The combination with directory traversal vulnerabilities creates a more sophisticated attack pathway that can bypass traditional network security controls and reach systems that are not directly exposed to the internet.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to versions 3.2.0 beta or later where proper encryption mechanisms are implemented. Organizations should also conduct thorough audits of their network infrastructure to identify any systems running vulnerable versions of the software. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate such weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors.