CVE-2011-2155 in SmarterStats
Summary
by MITRE
Login.aspx in the SmarterTools SmarterStats 6.0 web server generates a ctl00$MPH$txtPassword password form field without disabling the autocomplete feature, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass authentication by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2155 affects the SmarterTools SmarterStats 6.0 web server application where the Login.aspx page fails to properly disable the autocomplete functionality for the password input field. This security flaw resides in the user authentication mechanism and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and security configuration. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ctl00$MPH$txtPassword form field which is generated during the login process, creating a dangerous situation where browser autocomplete features can inadvertently store and auto-fill password credentials.
This issue directly relates to CWE-621, which addresses the vulnerability of insufficient input validation and improper handling of user credentials. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the autocomplete feature on web forms, enabling them to bypass authentication mechanisms when users access the system from unattended workstations. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical oversight in the security design of the web application, as it fails to implement proper security controls for sensitive input fields. The lack of autocomplete disablement creates a scenario where password information can be automatically populated from previously saved credentials, making it trivial for unauthorized individuals to gain access to the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for the SmarterStats 6.0 web server and can be leveraged through various attack vectors including physical access exploitation and social engineering techniques. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential access through brute force methods, but specifically exploits the browser's built-in password management features rather than traditional cracking approaches. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share workstations or where administrative access might be left unattended, as it provides an indirect path to authentication bypass without requiring complex attack infrastructure or sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper HTML attributes to disable autocomplete functionality on sensitive form fields. The recommended solution involves adding the autocomplete="off" attribute to the password input field within the Login.aspx page, which directly addresses the root cause of the issue. Security best practices dictate that all password fields in web applications should explicitly disable autocomplete features to prevent credential leakage through browser storage mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive security awareness training to educate users about the risks of leaving unattended workstations and should consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication to provide defense-in-depth against such vulnerabilities. The fix should be applied across all relevant form fields that handle sensitive authentication data and should be validated through security testing to ensure proper implementation without disrupting legitimate user functionality.