CVE-2007-5024 in VMware Server
Summary
by MITRE
EMC VMware Server before 1.0.4 Build 56528 writes passwords in cleartext to unspecified log files, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading these files, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-3620.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5024 affects EMC VMware Server versions prior to 1.0.4 Build 56528 and represents a critical security flaw related to improper handling of sensitive authentication data. This issue falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities where system components inadvertently expose confidential information through insecure logging mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically involves the writing of passwords in cleartext format to unspecified log files within the system, creating a significant risk for local attackers who can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests in the logging subsystem of VMware Server where authentication credentials are stored in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or obfuscated before being written to log files. This represents a violation of fundamental security principles and aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging practices. The cleartext storage of passwords in log files creates an attack surface where local users can simply read these files to obtain valid authentication credentials, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2005-3620, indicating that it represents a separate code path or component within the VMware Server infrastructure where credential handling occurs.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of VMware Server installations and creates multiple attack vectors for local adversaries. The local privilege escalation aspect of this vulnerability means that even users with minimal system access can potentially escalate their privileges by obtaining valid passwords from log files. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain access to virtual machine management interfaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as it can enable further exploitation through lateral movement within virtualized environments where VMware Server serves as a foundational component.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK framework technique T1078, which covers legitimate credentials and valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems. Additionally, this vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene practices related to credential management and log file security, which maps to ATT&CK technique T1562.1, covering the manipulation of security defenses through the exploitation of insecure logging mechanisms. Organizations running vulnerable VMware Server versions face increased risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compromise of entire virtualized infrastructures where these systems operate. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor through which attackers can obtain authentication credentials without requiring sophisticated attack techniques or external exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected VMware Server installations to version 1.0.4 Build 56528 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent cleartext password storage in log files. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as monitoring log file access permissions and establishing regular audits of log file contents to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. Access controls should be strengthened to limit local user privileges and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive system components. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper encryption mechanisms and credential obfuscation techniques to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when handling sensitive data such as authentication credentials within system logs.