CVE-2009-1769 in OCS Inventory NG
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in Open Computer and Software Inventory Next Generation (OCS Inventory NG) 1.01 generates different error messages depending on whether a username is valid, which allows remote attackers to enumerate valid usernames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1769 affects the Open Computer and Software Inventory Next Generation (OCS Inventory NG) version 1.01 web interface, representing a classic account enumeration flaw that exposes system security through inconsistent error messaging. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure and authentication bypass issues, with direct implications for user account security and system integrity. The flaw enables remote attackers to systematically determine valid usernames within the system by analyzing the different error responses generated during authentication attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web interface's inconsistent handling of authentication requests. When a user attempts to log in with a valid username but incorrect password, the system generates one type of error message that clearly indicates the username exists within the system. Conversely, when an invalid username is entered, a different error message is displayed that suggests the username does not exist. This differential response creates a predictable pattern that attackers can exploit through automated tools to systematically test usernames and identify valid accounts within the OCS Inventory NG environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple username enumeration, as it provides attackers with foundational information for subsequent attack phases. Security researchers categorize this flaw as a weakness under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper error handling. The vulnerability creates opportunities for credential stuffing attacks, where attackers can use the enumerated usernames in combination with password dictionaries to gain unauthorized access to the system. Additionally, the information disclosure aspect of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1087.001, which covers account discovery through the enumeration of valid accounts.
The specific nature of this vulnerability in OCS Inventory NG 1.01 demonstrates a common security oversight in web application development where developers fail to implement consistent error handling for authentication processes. This flaw represents a failure in applying the principle of least information disclosure, where systems should provide identical error responses regardless of whether the username exists. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanism's security posture and creates a pathway for attackers to bypass initial access controls through systematic account enumeration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing consistent error handling across all authentication attempts. Organizations should ensure that all authentication failures return identical generic error messages that do not indicate whether the username or password was incorrect. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP authentication guidelines and helps prevent account enumeration attacks. Additionally, implementing account lockout mechanisms, rate limiting, and CAPTCHA systems can further strengthen the authentication process against automated enumeration attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar issues in other applications and systems that may be vulnerable to the same class of attack.