CVE-2010-4758 in OTRS
Summary
by MITRE
installer.pl in Open Ticket Request System (OTRS) before 3.0.3 has an Inbound Mail Password field that uses the text type, instead of the password type, for its INPUT element, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to obtain the password by reading the workstation screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4758 affects the Open Ticket Request System OTRS version 3.0.2 and earlier, specifically within the installer.pl component. This issue represents a critical security flaw in how the system handles sensitive authentication information during the installation process. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design oversight in the web interface implementation where the password field for inbound mail configuration uses the HTML text input type rather than the secure password input type. This seemingly minor technical detail has significant implications for system security and represents a clear violation of security best practices for handling sensitive credentials.
The technical flaw manifests in the HTML form structure where the INPUT element for the Inbound Mail Password field is defined with type="text" instead of type="password". This configuration causes the web browser to display the password characters in plain text format on the screen, making it visible to anyone who can observe the workstation display. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses Information Exposure, and more specifically aligns with CWE-312, which deals with Sensitive Data Exposure. This weakness creates an attack surface that allows physically proximate attackers to easily obtain administrative credentials through simple visual reconnaissance, bypassing any network-based security controls that might otherwise protect the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of OTRS installations, particularly in shared or unsecured work environments where attackers might have physical access to the workstation. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical skill, as attackers only need to observe the screen to capture the password. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials," and represents a clear example of how insecure input field types can create exploitable conditions. The impact extends beyond just the installation phase, as the compromised password could potentially grant attackers access to email accounts and subsequently to the ticketing system itself, leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential system compromise.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-4758 involves immediate patching of the OTRS system to version 3.0.3 or later, where the installer.pl component has been corrected to use the proper password input type. Additionally, organizations should implement proper screen protection measures, including the use of privacy screens or ensuring secure physical access to workstations where sensitive installations occur. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication controls and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input field security implementation and demonstrates how seemingly minor interface design decisions can create significant security risks. The fix for this vulnerability required changes to the HTML form structure to ensure that password fields use type="password" which masks the input characters and prevents visual disclosure of sensitive information.