CVE-2010-3245 in Transact Suite
Summary
by MITRE
The automated-backup functionality in Blackboard Transact Suite (formerly Blackboard Commerce Suite) stores the (1) database username and (2) database password in cleartext in (a) script and (b) batch (.bat) files, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3245 resides within the Blackboard Transact Suite, formerly known as Blackboard Commerce Suite, a platform designed for educational institutions to manage online learning and commerce transactions. This particular flaw manifests in the automated backup functionality that is integral to the system's operational continuity and data management processes. The vulnerability represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper handling of database access information. The flaw specifically affects the backup automation features that administrators rely upon to maintain system integrity and data availability during routine operations and potential system failures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure sensitive information during the backup process configuration. When administrators configure automated backups, the system creates script and batch files that contain database credentials in plain text format rather than implementing proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms. This cleartext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition where any local user with access to the file system can directly read and extract the database username and password from these configuration files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 as "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information" which specifically addresses the improper handling of confidential data in storage systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with direct access to the underlying database infrastructure that powers the Blackboard Transact Suite. Local users who can access these configuration files gain immediate access to database credentials that could potentially be used to escalate privileges, extract sensitive institutional data, or compromise the entire educational platform. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system's data protection mechanisms, as the backup functionality that should provide security through data preservation becomes a vector for credential theft. This represents a significant risk to educational institutions that rely on Blackboard for managing student records, course materials, and financial transactions, as the exposure of database credentials could lead to widespread data breaches and compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of file system access controls and credential management practices. Organizations should ensure that backup configuration files are stored with restrictive permissions that limit access to authorized administrative personnel only, implementing the principle of least privilege as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The system should be configured to use encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive information, and administrators should implement regular monitoring of file access patterns to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, the platform should be updated to a version that properly encrypts database credentials within backup scripts and batch files, as the vulnerability affects the fundamental design of the backup automation feature. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all automated backup configurations to identify and remediate similar credential exposure issues across the institutional infrastructure, following the ATT&CK framework's guidance on credential access and privilege escalation techniques that attackers might employ to exploit such flaws.