CVE-2008-0580 in Supercrypt
Summary
by MITRE
Geert Moernaut LSrunasE and Supercrypt use an encryption key composed of an SHA1 hash of a fixed string embedded in the executable file, which makes it easier for local users to obtain this key without reverse engineering.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0580 represents a significant cryptographic weakness in authentication mechanisms implemented by LSrunasE and Supercrypt software applications. This flaw resides in the fundamental design of how these tools handle encryption key generation, specifically utilizing a deterministic approach that relies on a fixed string embedded within the executable itself. The implementation violates core security principles by creating predictable cryptographic material that can be readily extracted through simple static analysis techniques rather than requiring complex reverse engineering processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of SHA1 hashing functions applied to hardcoded strings within the software binaries. This approach creates a known plaintext attack vector where the fixed string serves as the input to the cryptographic function, producing a consistent output that can be easily identified and extracted by local users. The vulnerability manifests as a weak key derivation process that fails to incorporate sufficient entropy or randomization elements, making it susceptible to automated extraction techniques. This weakness directly maps to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptography, and CWE-326, which covers inadequate encryption strength.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation scenarios to encompass broader security implications for systems relying on these tools for authentication. Local users who can access the executable files can easily extract the encryption key and subsequently decrypt any data protected by the flawed implementation. This creates opportunities for unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. The vulnerability affects both LSrunasE and Supercrypt applications, indicating a systemic design flaw that impacts multiple security tools within the same category, potentially leading to widespread compromise across systems utilizing these utilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation of the cryptographic implementation to eliminate the hardcoded strings and replace them with properly generated random keys or secure key derivation functions. Organizations should implement proper key management practices that separate cryptographic keys from executable code and utilize industry-standard encryption libraries that provide robust key generation mechanisms. The remediation process should include replacing the SHA1-based approach with stronger cryptographic functions such as SHA256 or SHA3, and implementing proper entropy sources for key generation. Additionally, security controls should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to the executable files and their associated configuration data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1552 for credential access and T1078 for valid accounts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to ensure that cryptographic implementations meet current security standards and that no similar weaknesses exist in related software components.