CVE-2008-3605 in Encrypted USB Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in McAfee Encrypted USB Manager 3.1.0.0, when the Re-use Threshold for passwords is nonzero, allows remote attackers to conduct offline brute force attacks via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3605 resides within McAfee Encrypted USB Manager version 3.1.0.0, a security tool designed to protect data stored on portable USB devices through encryption mechanisms. This particular flaw manifests when the Re-use Threshold for passwords is configured to a nonzero value, creating a significant security weakness that exposes the system to offline brute force attacks. The unspecified nature of the attack vector suggests that the vulnerability stems from how the software handles password reuse policies, potentially storing or processing credentials in a manner that facilitates automated cracking attempts. This issue represents a critical failure in the software's cryptographic implementation and access control mechanisms, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that users rely upon when employing encryption tools for data protection.
The technical flaw specifically exploits the interaction between the password reuse threshold configuration and the underlying password handling algorithms within the McAfee Encrypted USB Manager. When the Re-use Threshold is set to a nonzero value, the system maintains some form of password history or state information that can be accessed offline, allowing attackers to perform dictionary attacks or brute force attempts against the encrypted USB volumes without requiring direct network access or real-time interaction with the target system. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and improper handling of cryptographic keys or passwords, and potentially aligns with CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive data through improper handling of authentication credentials. The flaw essentially creates a scenario where the system's own security policies become a liability rather than a protection mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that users place in encryption tools for securing sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this weakness to systematically test password combinations against encrypted USB volumes, potentially gaining unauthorized access to confidential data stored on these devices. The offline nature of the attack means that even if the target system is not directly connected to a network, the encrypted volumes remain vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on USB-based data transfer and encryption for protecting intellectual property, personal information, or classified materials. The attack vector enables adversaries to perform password recovery operations without detection, potentially leading to widespread data breaches across multiple encrypted volumes that share common password reuse patterns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate configuration changes and system updates to address the root cause of the password handling weakness. Organizations should disable the Re-use Threshold feature in McAfee Encrypted USB Manager until a patched version is available, or implement additional access controls that limit the exposure of encrypted volumes to offline attack scenarios. System administrators must also consider implementing stronger password policies that enforce complexity requirements and regular password rotation to minimize the effectiveness of brute force attacks. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability assessments of all systems running affected versions of the software, along with network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing alternative encryption solutions that have been properly vetted for cryptographic security weaknesses and have addressed known vulnerabilities through proper security testing and code review processes. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the potential dangers of insecure password management policies in security tools.