CVE-2008-6818 in Real Estate Script
Summary
by MITRE
Mole Group Real Estate Script 1.1 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 • 12/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6818 affects Mole Group Real Estate Script version 1.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles user authentication credentials. This issue stems from the script's insecure storage mechanism where passwords are saved in plaintext format within the system's database or configuration files. The vulnerability creates a significant risk as it allows context-dependent attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user information without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The cleartext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and represents a direct violation of security best practices for credential management.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's database design and configuration where authentication credentials lack proper encryption or hashing mechanisms. When users create accounts or update their passwords, the system stores these credentials in an easily readable format rather than implementing cryptographic protection. This design decision creates a persistent security weakness that remains exploitable as long as the system remains operational and accessible. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and CWE-522, which covers insufficiently protected credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows for both direct credential theft and potential privilege escalation within the application's user management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions and sensitive real estate data. Context-dependent attackers who can access the system's database or configuration files can immediately exploit this weakness to compromise multiple user accounts simultaneously. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in real estate applications where sensitive personal and financial information is typically stored, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit the cleartext storage mechanism. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that remains active until the system is properly patched or reconfigured, and it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper password hashing mechanisms using industry-standard algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2. The system should be reconfigured to store only hashed representations of passwords rather than cleartext versions, ensuring that even if database access is compromised, attackers cannot directly utilize the stolen credentials. Security professionals should implement the principle of least privilege and ensure that database access permissions are properly restricted to minimize exposure. Additionally, the application should be updated to version 1.2 or later, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any other instances of cleartext credential storage within their systems. The remediation process should include immediate credential rotation for all affected users and implementation of proper security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security frameworks and standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.