CVE-2008-6191 in Swimage Encore
Summary
by MITRE
Conductor.exe in Intrinsic Swimage Encore before 5.0.1.21 contains a hardcoded password, which might allow local users to decrypt certain .bin files. NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue crosses privilege boundaries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6191 affects Conductor.exe component within Intrinsic Swimage Encore software version 5.0.1.21 and earlier. This represents a classic hardcoded credential vulnerability that undermines the security posture of the affected system. The presence of a hardcoded password within the executable creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by local attackers who gain access to the system. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded passwords in software applications. The issue manifests in the context of file decryption operations where certain .bin files can be decrypted by local users who possess knowledge of the hardcoded credential.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the software's execution environment. When developers embed passwords directly into executable code, they create a situation where the credential becomes permanently exposed within the binary itself. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent backdoor that cannot be easily remediated without modifying the source code and redistributing the software. The hardcoded nature of the password means that it remains constant across all installations and cannot be changed through normal system administration procedures, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users or systems may be compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it represents a potential privilege escalation vector within local system contexts. While the description notes uncertainty regarding whether the issue crosses privilege boundaries, the presence of a hardcoded password in a system management tool like Swimage Encore suggests that local users may gain elevated access to sensitive data and system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Credentials: Credentials In Files," as the hardcoded password exists in a file accessible to local users. The risk is particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this software for system imaging and deployment operations, as the compromise of such tools can lead to broader system infiltration and data exfiltration opportunities.
The implications of this vulnerability extend to organizational security practices and software development lifecycle management. It highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and the elimination of hardcoded credentials from production software. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues in their software inventory, as hardcoded passwords often remain undetected until exploitation occurs. The remediation approach requires immediate software updates to version 5.0.1.21 or later, which presumably addresses the hardcoded credential issue through proper credential management or removal of the insecure functionality. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits of all installed software to identify potential hardcoded credentials and implement proper credential management practices to prevent similar issues in future deployments.