CVE-2010-2247 in makepasswd
Summary
by MITRE
makepasswd 1.10 default settings generate insecure passwords
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2247 affects makepasswd version 1.10 and stems from its default configuration parameters that produce passwords lacking sufficient cryptographic strength. This tool is commonly used for generating random passwords in automated systems and security applications, making the weakness particularly concerning for environments where password quality directly impacts overall system security posture. The issue manifests when users rely on the default settings without customizing the password generation parameters, leading to predictable and easily compromised credentials.
The technical flaw lies in the insufficient entropy and weak cryptographic algorithms employed by makepasswd 1.10 during default operation. The tool generates passwords using a predictable pattern that does not adequately randomize character selection or employ proper cryptographic randomness sources. This weakness creates a predictable password generation mechanism that adversaries can potentially reverse-engineer or brute-force using standard password cracking techniques. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-330, which addresses insufficient entropy in random number generation, and represents a failure to implement proper cryptographic practices in password generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual password generation failures to compromise entire systems that depend on strong authentication mechanisms. When organizations use makepasswd with default settings for creating service accounts, database credentials, or administrative passwords, they inadvertently create security weaknesses that attackers can exploit. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous in automated deployment scenarios where makepasswd is used to generate multiple passwords without manual intervention. This creates a systematic risk where numerous credentials may share similar weaknesses, potentially allowing attackers to compromise multiple system components through a single successful password attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2247 require immediate attention through configuration updates and process modifications. Organizations should upgrade to makepasswd versions that address the weak default settings or manually configure the tool to use stronger cryptographic parameters including increased password length, diverse character sets, and proper entropy sources. System administrators must review all automated processes that utilize makepasswd and ensure that default configurations are replaced with secure alternatives. The remediation process should also include establishing security policies that mandate explicit password generation parameter selection rather than relying on defaults. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique t1110.001 which involves password guessing and brute force attacks, making it a critical target for defensive measures. Regular security audits should verify that all password generation tools are properly configured and that default insecure settings have been explicitly overridden with secure alternatives.