CVE-2011-1509 in ServiceDesk Plus
Summary
by MITRE
The encryptPassword function in Login.js in ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus (SDP) 8012 and earlier uses a Caesar cipher for encryption of passwords in cookies, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1509 resides within ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus version 8012 and earlier, specifically within the encryptPassword function located in the Login.js file. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that directly impacts how the application handles password storage and transmission in cookie data. The implementation uses a Caesar cipher encryption method, which is fundamentally weak and easily reversible without specialized knowledge or significant computational resources. This cryptographic weakness creates a severe exposure point where sensitive authentication data becomes accessible to any network observer who intercepts the cookie traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of cryptographic functions within its client-side JavaScript code. A Caesar cipher operates by shifting each character in the plaintext by a fixed number of positions in the alphabet, making it trivial to decrypt through frequency analysis or brute force methods. When passwords are stored in cookies using this encryption scheme, the security of the entire authentication mechanism is compromised at the network level. Network sniffing tools can easily capture these cookies and decrypt the contained passwords, effectively bypassing any server-side security controls that might otherwise protect the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent security risk for all users of the affected ServiceDesk Plus versions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform session hijacking, gain unauthorized access to user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic is not properly secured through encryption protocols, as the captured cookie data remains readable and usable for malicious purposes. This exposure affects the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication data, undermining the fundamental security assurances that authentication systems should provide.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, focusing on credential access through network sniffing and interception methods. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to ServiceDesk Plus versions that implement proper cryptographic standards, such as strong hashing algorithms or secure encryption protocols. Additional mitigations include implementing network layer security measures like SSL/TLS encryption, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential weak cryptographic implementations within the application ecosystem.