CVE-2012-4571 in Keyring
Summary
by MITRE
Python Keyring 0.9.1 does not securely initialize the cipher when encrypting passwords for CryptedFileKeyring files, which makes it easier for local users to obtain passwords via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4571 affects Python Keyring version 0.9.1 and specifically targets the CryptedFileKeyring implementation where the encryption initialization process contains a critical security flaw. This weakness manifests in the improper initialization of cryptographic ciphers used to protect stored passwords, creating a significant vulnerability that undermines the security guarantees intended by the encryption mechanism. The flaw resides in how the system generates or selects initialization vectors and encryption parameters when creating encrypted keyring files, leading to predictable or weak cryptographic states that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate random number generation or predictable seed values during the cipher initialization phase. When the encryption algorithm initializes its state, it fails to properly randomize the cryptographic context, resulting in repeated patterns or easily guessable encryption parameters. This weakness directly relates to CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in cryptographic contexts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials storage. The vulnerability essentially creates a scenario where an attacker can perform a brute-force attack against the encrypted password database, significantly reducing the computational complexity required to recover stored credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to recover passwords stored in the keyring files. The reduced security strength makes the encryption susceptible to various attack vectors including dictionary attacks, pattern recognition, and statistical analysis of the encrypted data. Attackers can leverage the predictable cipher initialization to systematically test potential decryption keys, dramatically increasing their chances of success compared to brute-forcing against properly initialized cryptographic systems. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where the keyring files are stored on local systems and where local privilege escalation or access to the user's session is possible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4571 require immediate attention through software updates and proper cryptographic implementation practices. Organizations should upgrade to Python Keyring versions that address this specific initialization flaw, typically those implementing proper random number generation for cipher initialization. System administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as file system permissions, encrypted storage solutions, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to keyring files. The remediation process should include verifying that cryptographic libraries properly implement random initialization and that all encryption contexts are properly seeded with cryptographically secure random values. Security teams should also implement monitoring for brute-force attack patterns and consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms to reduce the impact of credential compromise. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and the necessity of following established security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-131A for cryptographic key management and usage.