CVE-2009-1465 in Application Access Server
Summary
by MITRE
Application Access Server (A-A-S) 2.0.48 has "wildbat" as its default password for the admin account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1465 represents a critical security flaw in the Application Access Server version 2.0.48 where the default administrative account is configured with the weak password "wildbat". This configuration exposes the system to unauthorized access attempts by remote attackers who can easily exploit this predictable credential to gain administrative privileges. The use of such a trivial default password violates fundamental security principles and creates an immediate attack vector that requires no advanced techniques or specialized tools to exploit. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication mechanism of the application access server, which serves as a gateway for controlling access to enterprise applications and resources.
This security weakness falls under the category of weak default credentials as classified by CWE-798, where hardcoded or easily guessable authentication credentials are provided with the software installation. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security configuration management practices. The default password "wildbat" is particularly concerning because it follows common patterns used in default credential lists maintained by security researchers and penetration testing tools, making it highly susceptible to automated exploitation attempts. Attackers can readily identify this vulnerability through standard reconnaissance activities and automated scanning tools that check for known default credentials across network services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the administrative account typically possesses full control over the server configuration, user management, and application settings. Once an attacker successfully authenticates with the default password, they can modify access controls, add malicious users, disable security features, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the protected applications and data, as the attacker can manipulate the application access server to redirect traffic, modify authentication policies, or exfiltrate sensitive information. This weakness can be exploited from any network location where the server is accessible, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application access server is exposed to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the default credential configuration. System administrators must change the default administrative password to a strong, randomly generated password that meets complexity requirements and is stored securely. The remediation process should include implementing a comprehensive password policy that enforces regular password changes and prohibits the use of default or easily guessable credentials. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar default credential vulnerabilities across their infrastructure, as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the credential access tactics. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of critical servers to unauthorized network access, while logging and monitoring should be enabled to detect unauthorized authentication attempts and potential exploitation of this vulnerability.