CVE-2012-0959 in Remote Login Service
Summary
by MITRE
Remote Login Service (RLS) 1.0.0 does not properly clear account information when switching users, which might allow physically proximate users to obtain login credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0959 affects the Remote Login Service version 1.0.0, specifically targeting the authentication and session management mechanisms within the system. This issue stems from inadequate handling of account information during user switching operations, creating a security gap that can be exploited by attackers who have physical proximity to the affected system. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the service's design that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of authentication data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper memory management and data clearing procedures implemented within the RLS service. When users switch accounts or contexts within the system, the service fails to completely purge sensitive account information from memory or storage locations. This partial clearing leaves residual authentication data accessible to unauthorized parties who may physically approach the system, potentially capturing cached credentials or session information that should have been invalidated. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper secure coding practices and session termination protocols.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on the Remote Login Service for authentication. Physically proximate attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to accounts by retrieving cached credentials or session tokens that remain accessible after user switching. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed by anyone with physical access to the target system, making it a serious threat to both enterprise and consumer environments. This weakness undermines the fundamental security assumptions of authentication systems.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable broader unauthorized access patterns and potentially lead to privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could leverage the leaked account information to conduct further reconnaissance, maintain persistent access, or move laterally within network environments. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of secure session management principles. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as it enables unauthorized access through compromised legitimate credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0959 should focus on implementing proper memory clearing procedures during user switching operations and ensuring complete invalidation of authentication data. Organizations should update to patched versions of the Remote Login Service where available, implement additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication, and establish strict physical security measures around systems running vulnerable services. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar memory management issues in other authentication systems. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing credential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper session management in preventing information leakage attacks.