CVE-2011-0410 in ScrumWorks
Summary
by MITRE
CollabNet ScrumWorks Basic 1.8.4 uses cleartext credentials for network communication and the internal database, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information by (1) sniffing the network for transmissions of Java objects or (2) reading the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0410 affects CollabNet ScrumWorks Basic version 1.8.4, presenting a critical security flaw in how the application handles authentication credentials. This weakness stems from the application's improper implementation of secure communication protocols and data storage mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to compromise sensitive information through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the application's insecure handling of credentials. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by enabling unauthorized access to authentication data that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the application's use of cleartext credentials for both network communications and internal database storage. When Java objects are transmitted across the network, the authentication information travels in an unencrypted format, making it susceptible to interception by malicious actors who can employ standard network sniffing tools to capture these transmissions. Additionally, the internal database stores credentials in plain text format, allowing attackers with database access to directly read sensitive information without requiring additional cryptographic cracking efforts. This dual exposure creates multiple attack surfaces that significantly increase the risk of credential compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and CWE-522, which covers insufficiently protected credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to project management data. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized project modifications, and access to sensitive business information. The ease of exploitation, as indicated by the context-dependent nature of the attack, means that even relatively unsophisticated attackers can leverage network sniffing tools or database reading capabilities to obtain sensitive information. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on ScrumWorks for project management and collaboration, as the compromised credentials could provide access to critical development and business data. The attack vectors align with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and defense evasion tactics, where adversaries can leverage network reconnaissance to identify vulnerable systems and extract authentication information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the network transmission and database storage components of the flaw. Organizations should implement network encryption protocols such as TLS/SSL to protect data in transit, ensuring that Java object transmissions cannot be easily intercepted and decoded. Database encryption should be implemented to protect stored credentials, with proper access controls and privilege management to limit who can read sensitive information. Additionally, the application should be updated to version 1.8.5 or later, as this vulnerability was specifically addressed in subsequent releases. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns and unauthorized database access attempts. The implementation of proper authentication mechanisms, including the use of hashed and salted credentials rather than cleartext storage, would eliminate this specific vulnerability while improving overall security posture. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar credential handling issues in other applications and systems within their environment.