CVE-2008-6817 in Lastminute Script
Summary
by MITRE
Mole Group Lastminute Script 4.0 and earlier stores passwords in cleartext, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6817 affects the Mole Group Lastminute Script version 4.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in how sensitive authentication data is handled within the application. This issue stems from the application's insecure storage mechanism where passwords are saved in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure data storage, which is classified as CWE-312 in the CWE database, specifically addressing the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage mechanisms. The security implications are significant as this flaw creates an attack surface that allows context-dependent adversaries to gain unauthorized access to user credentials simply by accessing the stored password files or database entries.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic measures for password storage, which violates fundamental security principles established in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-63B and ISO/IEC 27001. When passwords are stored in cleartext, any individual with access to the system files or database can directly read and utilize these credentials for unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require sophisticated attack techniques or extensive reconnaissance - simply having access to the system's storage locations provides attackers with immediate access to sensitive authentication information. This flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security implementation practices that are commonly addressed in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Credential Access: Brute Force or Credential Dumping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to cascading security breaches within organizations that rely on the affected system. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can potentially gain persistent access to user accounts, escalate privileges, and move laterally within networks where the Lastminute Script is deployed. The context-dependent nature of this attack means that the threat is not limited to external attackers but also includes internal threat actors who may have legitimate access to the system but choose to misuse their privileges. Organizations using this script may experience unauthorized access to customer accounts, financial data breaches, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as PCI DSS and GDPR. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in significant reputational damage and financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive user information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6817 should focus on immediate remediation through proper password storage implementation using industry-standard cryptographic techniques. Organizations should implement strong hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 with appropriate salt values to ensure that even if storage is compromised, the actual passwords remain protected. The system should be updated to version 4.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed, and all existing cleartext passwords should be reset and properly hashed. Security audits should be conducted to identify any other instances of cleartext password storage within the organization's infrastructure, and access controls should be strengthened to limit system file access to authorized personnel only. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems and applications that may be storing sensitive information in insecure formats.