CVE-2009-2158 in TorrentTrader Classic
Summary
by MITRE
account-recover.php in TorrentTrader Classic 1.09 chooses random passwords from an insufficiently large set, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain a password via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2158 affects TorrentTrader Classic 1.09's account recovery functionality through the account-recover.php script. This issue represents a significant weakness in the application's password generation mechanism that directly impacts user account security and system integrity. The flaw resides in the random password selection process which fails to utilize a sufficiently large password space, creating predictable patterns that adversaries can exploit through systematic brute-force attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient entropy in the random password generation algorithm. When users request password recovery, the system generates new passwords from a limited set of possibilities rather than employing cryptographically secure random number generation. This approach violates fundamental security principles for password management and creates a predictable attack surface. The weakness specifically manifests in the account-recover.php component where the system's inability to generate sufficiently complex passwords creates a vulnerability that aligns with CWE-338, which addresses the use of insecure random number generators in security-sensitive contexts. The inadequate password space allows attackers to reduce the search space significantly, making successful brute-force attacks considerably more feasible than they should be.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account compromise to potentially enable broader system infiltration and data breach scenarios. Attackers can systematically work through the limited password combinations to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized file sharing, data manipulation, or even complete system takeover. The vulnerability also creates a persistent risk for the entire user base since compromised accounts can serve as entry points for further attacks. This weakness directly correlates with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 which describes credential stuffing and brute force attacks, demonstrating how insufficient password entropy enables these attack vectors. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where user authentication relies heavily on password recovery mechanisms, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized access that could escalate to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2158 require immediate implementation of cryptographically secure random number generation for password recovery processes. Organizations should replace the existing password generation algorithm with one that employs sufficient entropy and utilizes industry-standard cryptographic libraries. The implementation must ensure that generated passwords meet minimum complexity requirements and utilize a sufficiently large character set to prevent brute-force success. Additionally, system administrators should implement account lockout mechanisms and rate limiting for password recovery requests to prevent automated attack attempts. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-63B for password management and authentication systems. Regular security audits should verify that all password recovery mechanisms maintain adequate entropy levels and that the system does not inadvertently expose predictable patterns in generated credentials. The vulnerability also necessitates monitoring for unusual password recovery activity and implementing multi-factor authentication where possible to provide additional security layers beyond password-based access control.