CVE-2011-2142 in Datacap Taskmaster Capture
Summary
by MITRE
The Web Client Service in IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture 8.0.1 before FP1 requires a cleartext password, which has unspecified impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2142 affects IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture version 8.0.1 before fix pack 1, specifically within the Web Client Service component. This issue represents a significant security weakness in the authentication mechanism where the system mandates the use of cleartext passwords for accessing web-based services. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and demonstrates poor security practices in credential handling, creating potential exposure points for unauthorized access to sensitive document capture and processing functionalities. The Web Client Service serves as a critical interface for users to interact with the document capture system, making this flaw particularly concerning for organizations relying on the platform for business-critical processes.
The technical flaw stems from the service's requirement to transmit passwords in cleartext format rather than implementing secure authentication protocols such as encrypted communication channels or token-based authentication systems. This design decision violates fundamental security principles and creates multiple attack vectors for potential exploitation. The cleartext transmission of credentials exposes passwords to interception during network transmission, making the system vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, network sniffing operations, and other passive reconnaissance techniques. The unspecified impact and attack vectors indicate that the vulnerability could potentially allow unauthorized users to gain access to document processing capabilities, modify capture workflows, or potentially access sensitive business data through the compromised authentication mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations using IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture. Unauthorized access to the Web Client Service could enable attackers to manipulate document capture processes, alter workflow configurations, or gain access to confidential business information processed through the system. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that handle sensitive documents, financial records, or regulated data, where the exposure of authentication credentials could lead to significant compliance violations and data breaches. The impact is compounded by the fact that the vulnerability exists in a core service component that likely provides essential access to document processing capabilities, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to disrupt business operations or extract valuable information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by upgrading to IBM Datacap Taskmaster Capture version 8.0.1 with fix pack 1 or later, which addresses the cleartext password transmission issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the Web Client Service to trusted networks only, while additional monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of secure communication protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption should be enforced for all web-based services, and organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a critical weakness in the authentication architecture that violates security best practices outlined in various industry frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique, specifically related to credential dumping and unauthorized access to network services, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network monitoring, access controls, and secure authentication implementations.