CVE-2010-2011 in Dynamics GP
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Dynamics GP uses a substitution cipher to encrypt the system password field and unspecified other fields, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by decrypting a field s contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2017
Microsoft Dynamics GP contains a cryptographic vulnerability that stems from the implementation of a substitution cipher for encrypting sensitive data fields including system passwords and other unspecified data elements. This weakness represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where a weak encryption algorithm is employed instead of robust cryptographic standards. The substitution cipher used in this implementation provides minimal security protection and can be easily reverse-engineered or decrypted by authenticated attackers who possess access to the system. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic algorithms as defined by CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of insecure or weak cryptographic algorithms that can be easily broken by adversaries. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond just password exposure, as the same weak encryption mechanism is applied to other sensitive fields within the application, potentially exposing additional confidential information.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are significant for organizations utilizing Microsoft Dynamics GP, as it creates a pathway for authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data without requiring advanced cryptographic expertise or specialized tools. Attackers who have legitimate access to the system can exploit this weakness to decrypt encrypted fields and obtain confidential information that should remain protected. This represents a critical security gap that violates the principle of least privilege and data confidentiality. The vulnerability creates a scenario where the system's own encryption mechanisms become a liability rather than a security enhancement, as they fail to provide the expected protection against authorized users who may attempt to access data they should not be able to view. From an attacker's perspective, this weakness provides a straightforward method for information extraction that does not require complex exploitation techniques or significant computational resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including replacing the weak substitution cipher with industry-standard encryption algorithms such as AES-256 or other approved cryptographic methods that meet current security requirements. The remediation approach should involve comprehensive code review and replacement of all instances where the substitution cipher is used for data protection. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring and access controls to detect unauthorized attempts to access encrypted fields, as this vulnerability creates a potential attack vector that can be exploited by insiders or compromised accounts. The implementation of proper key management practices and regular cryptographic algorithm assessments should be part of the overall security strategy to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in other components of the system. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to established security frameworks such as those defined in the NIST Special Publication 800-57 and other cryptographic standards that mandate the use of strong encryption algorithms for protecting sensitive information. The attack surface created by this weakness can be leveraged by threat actors to conduct reconnaissance and information gathering activities, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks that exploit the gained information to compromise additional system components.