CVE-2011-1906 in WebDefend
Summary
by MITRE
Trustwave WebDefend Enterprise before 5.0 7.01.903-1.4 stores specific user-account credentials in a MySQL database, which makes it easier for remote attackers to read the event collection table via requests to the management port, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0756.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1906 affects Trustwave WebDefend Enterprise versions prior to 5.0 7.01.903-1.4, representing a critical security flaw in how the system handles user authentication credentials. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper storage of sensitive user-account credentials within a MySQL database, creating an exploitable condition that significantly weakens the overall security posture of the protected environment. The flaw specifically manifests when the system stores authentication details in a manner that allows unauthorized access to the event collection table through management port requests, establishing a direct pathway for malicious actors to compromise the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure storage of user credentials within the database schema, where authentication information becomes accessible through database queries that can be executed by remote attackers. This design flaw creates a situation where attackers can leverage legitimate management port access points to retrieve sensitive data from the event collection table, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the data persistence layer where user credentials are not properly encrypted or obfuscated, making them susceptible to extraction through database access methods. This weakness is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to gain access to authentication credentials that could then be used to escalate privileges or maintain persistent access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1906 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments relying on Trustwave WebDefend Enterprise solutions. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive user-account information, potentially enabling them to compromise additional systems within the network through credential reuse attacks. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for reconnaissance activities, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the compromised network. Organizations using affected versions of the software face significant risk of unauthorized access to their security infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or disable security controls while remaining undetected in the network.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data storage practices. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various attack vectors, and demonstrates how insecure data handling can create opportunities for attackers to obtain authentication credentials. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Trustwave WebDefend Enterprise version 5.0 7.01.903-1.4 or later, which addresses the insecure credential storage issue. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to restrict access to management ports, deploying database firewalls to monitor and control database access patterns, and establishing regular security audits to identify similar insecure data storage practices within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and proper credential management protocols to prevent similar issues in security applications.