CVE-2011-0009 in Bestpractical
Summary
by MITRE
Best Practical Solutions RT 3.x before 3.8.9rc2 and 4.x before 4.0.0rc4 uses the MD5 algorithm for password hashes, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to determine cleartext passwords via a brute-force attack on the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0009 affects Best Practical Solutions RT (Request Tracker) versions 3.x before 3.8.9rc2 and 4.x before 4.0.0rc4, representing a critical cryptographic weakness in the system's password storage mechanism. This issue stems from the use of the MD5 hashing algorithm for password encryption, which has been widely deprecated in modern security practices due to its inherent vulnerabilities and susceptibility to various attack vectors. The weakness lies in the fundamental design choice to implement MD5, a cryptographic hash function that was never intended for password storage purposes, particularly in environments where security is paramount.
The technical flaw manifests in the system's handling of user authentication credentials where passwords are stored using MD5 hashing without proper salting mechanisms. This approach creates a predictable pattern that allows attackers to perform brute-force attacks against the database by leveraging precomputed rainbow tables or custom brute-force tools specifically designed to exploit MD5's weaknesses. The MD5 algorithm produces a 128-bit hash value that is vulnerable to collision attacks and can be efficiently cracked using modern computational resources, making the stored passwords significantly less secure than they should be. The absence of proper salt values further compounds this vulnerability, as identical passwords will produce identical hash values, enabling attackers to identify duplicate accounts and systematically crack multiple passwords simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the system that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Context-dependent attackers who gain access to the database can utilize the weakness to determine cleartext passwords, potentially compromising not only individual user accounts but also administrative privileges within the RT system. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that RT systems are often used for critical ticketing and issue tracking within organizations, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking long-term access to sensitive infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of cryptographic upgrades and security hardening measures. Organizations must upgrade to RT versions 3.8.9rc2 or later and 4.0.0rc4 or later, which address this weakness by implementing stronger hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2. The recommended approach involves migrating existing password hashes to more secure algorithms while ensuring proper salting mechanisms are implemented to prevent rainbow table attacks. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all user accounts to identify compromised credentials and implement multi-factor authentication as an additional layer of protection. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following NIST guidelines for password storage and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through exploitation of weak cryptographic implementations, emphasizing that organizations must prioritize cryptographic security in their authentication systems to prevent successful exploitation attempts.