CVE-2008-3288 in Retrospect Backup Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Server Authentication Module in EMC Dantz Retrospect Backup Server 7.5.508 uses a "weak hash algorithm," which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to recover passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3288 resides within the Server Authentication Module of EMC Dantz Retrospect Backup Server version 7.5.508, representing a critical weakness in the system's cryptographic implementation that directly impacts password security. This flaw specifically involves the use of a weak hash algorithm for password storage and authentication purposes, creating a significant security risk that adversaries can exploit to compromise user credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates poor cryptographic hygiene and violates fundamental security principles that require the use of strong, collision-resistant hashing functions for password storage. According to CWE-328, this vulnerability falls under weak hash algorithms, where the implementation uses cryptographic hash functions that are no longer considered secure due to their susceptibility to various attack vectors including rainbow table attacks and brute force methodologies.
The technical implementation of this weakness manifests in how the authentication module processes and stores user passwords, where it employs a hash algorithm that lacks sufficient computational complexity and resistance to cryptanalysis. Attackers with context-dependent access can leverage the predictable nature of the weak hash algorithm to reverse-engineer or brute force password hashes, ultimately recovering plaintext passwords from the stored hash values. This vulnerability creates a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access, as successful password recovery enables attackers to gain administrative or user-level access to the backup server. The operational impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised authentication credentials can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized backup operations that could result in data corruption or loss.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential stuffing and password reuse attacks, where weak password hashing creates an environment conducive to automated password recovery attacks. Organizations using this backup server version face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where backup systems contain sensitive data and administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that backup servers often contain comprehensive system data, including user credentials, system configurations, and business-critical information that makes them attractive targets for attackers. The weak hash implementation creates a persistent security weakness that remains exploitable until the underlying cryptographic implementation is corrected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates that implement strong cryptographic hash functions such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 with sufficient iteration counts. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process must include thorough password reset procedures for all affected users and implementation of secure password policies that enforce strong password complexity requirements. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential cryptographic weaknesses in the backup infrastructure and ensure compliance with industry standards including NIST SP 800-63B for digital identity management and authentication. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be implemented to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in other system components, particularly in authentication and credential management modules where cryptographic integrity is paramount for overall system security.