CVE-2009-5100 in BI Server
Summary
by MITRE
Pentaho BI Server 1.7.0.1062 and earlier does not set the autocomplete tag to off on web pages using a password field, which might allow physically proximate attackers to obtain the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-5100 affects Pentaho Business Intelligence Server versions 1.7.0.1062 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in web application design that exposes users to potential password theft through browser auto-complete features. This issue specifically targets the absence of proper autocomplete attribute configuration on web forms containing password fields, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by attackers in close physical proximity to the victim's system. The vulnerability stems from the server's failure to implement security best practices in HTML form construction, particularly the omission of the autocomplete="off" attribute that would prevent browsers from storing and auto-completing sensitive credential information.
The technical flaw manifests when web pages generated by the Pentaho BI Server include HTML forms with password input fields that lack the autocomplete="off" attribute declaration. Modern web browsers automatically cache password information for convenience, storing credentials in local databases or memory structures that can be recalled during subsequent form submissions. When the autocomplete attribute is not explicitly set to "off" on password fields, browsers will automatically populate these fields with previously stored credentials, creating an attack surface that physical proximity attackers can exploit. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-384, which addresses the use of auto-complete features in web applications with sensitive data fields, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through unsecured storage of credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with immediate access to business intelligence systems that may contain sensitive corporate data, financial information, and strategic business insights. An attacker positioned physically near a victim's workstation can exploit this weakness by simply accessing the browser's auto-complete functionality to retrieve stored passwords, potentially gaining unauthorized access to critical business intelligence dashboards, reporting systems, and data analysis tools. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Pentaho BI Server is commonly deployed for business analytics and reporting, as these systems often contain valuable proprietary information and may serve as entry points to broader network infrastructure. The attack vector requires minimal technical skill and can be executed through simple browser-based interactions, making it a significant risk for organizations that do not properly configure their web applications.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through immediate implementation of proper HTML form attributes on all password fields within the Pentaho BI Server web interface, specifically adding autocomplete="off" to prevent browser auto-completion. The most effective remediation involves updating the Pentaho BI Server to version 1.7.0.1063 or later, which includes the necessary security patches addressing this specific flaw. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive security reviews of all web applications to ensure proper implementation of the autocomplete="off" attribute on password fields, and establish security policies that mandate such configurations across all enterprise web applications. Network-level security measures including proper access controls, multi-factor authentication implementation, and regular security assessments should complement these application-level fixes to provide comprehensive protection against credential theft attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which emphasize proper handling of sensitive information and secure configuration of web applications to prevent unauthorized access through common implementation flaws.