CVE-2008-2747 in Dynamic Update Client
Summary
by MITRE
No-IP Dynamic Update Client (DUC) 2.2.1 on Windows uses weak permissions for the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Vitalwerks\DUC registry key, which allows local users to obtain obfuscated passwords and other sensitive information by reading the (1) TrayPassword, (2) Username, (3) Password, and (4) Hosts registry values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2747 affects the No-IP Dynamic Update Client version 2.2.1 running on Windows systems, presenting a critical privilege escalation risk through improper access control mechanisms. This flaw resides within the Windows registry configuration where the Vitalwerks DUC key lacks appropriate security permissions, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the system's integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability specifically targets the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Vitalwerks\DUC registry key, which serves as the primary storage location for authentication credentials and configuration data used by the dynamic update client.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from weak discretionary access control permissions assigned to the registry key, allowing any local user to access sensitive information through standard registry reading operations. Attackers can directly read four critical registry values including TrayPassword, Username, Password, and Hosts, which contain obfuscated but recoverable authentication credentials. This weak permission model violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control, as the system fails to restrict access to sensitive configuration data based on user privileges or security contexts. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure permissions in the Windows registry, where system-level configuration data is exposed to unauthorized local access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the obtained credentials can be leveraged for unauthorized access to network services and potentially escalate privileges within the local system. Local users who can read these registry values gain access to authentication tokens that may be used to maintain persistent access to the No-IP service, enabling them to manipulate dynamic DNS records and potentially compromise network infrastructure. The obfuscation of passwords does not provide meaningful security protection, as the obfuscation methods are typically reversible and well-documented, making the credentials easily exploitable by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, focusing on credential access through local system exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper registry permission controls to restrict access to the affected registry key. System administrators should modify the discretionary access control list (DACL) of the HKLM\SOFTWARE\Vitalwerks\DUC registry key to ensure that only authorized users and processes can access the sensitive values. The recommended approach involves applying restrictive permissions that limit access to administrators and the DUC service itself, while preventing regular users from reading the registry values. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing registry auditing to monitor access attempts to sensitive configuration keys and establish proper patch management procedures to ensure all systems running No-IP DUC are updated to versions that address this permission weakness. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the potential for local privilege escalation through registry misconfigurations.