CVE-2013-1053 in remote-login-service
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
In crypt.c of remote-login-service, the cryptographic algorithm used to cache usernames and passwords is insecure. An attacker could use this vulnerability to recover usernames and passwords from the file. This issue affects version 1.0.0-0ubuntu3 and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1053 resides within the cryptographic implementation of the remote-login-service component, specifically in the crypt.c file where authentication credentials are cached. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the system's security architecture as it employs an insecure cryptographic algorithm for storing sensitive user authentication data. The vulnerability affects versions 1.0.0-0ubuntu3 and earlier, indicating a long-standing issue that was present in the software supply chain for an extended period. The insecure implementation directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and demonstrates poor cryptographic hygiene that could have been prevented through adherence to established security frameworks and standards.
The technical flaw manifests in the cryptographic algorithm's inability to properly protect stored credentials, creating a scenario where an attacker with access to the cached credential file could potentially recover plaintext usernames and passwords through various recovery techniques. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and specifically relates to CWE-326 which addresses "Inadequate Encryption Strength" and CWE-327 which covers "Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm." The implementation likely employs weak encryption methods or uses deprecated cryptographic primitives that are susceptible to various attacks including brute force, pattern recognition, or known-plaintext attacks. The insecure caching mechanism creates a persistent exposure point where user credentials remain vulnerable even when the system is not actively processing authentication requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user accounts and can enable further lateral movement within compromised networks. Once an attacker successfully recovers credentials from the cache file, they can authenticate as legitimate users without requiring additional authentication factors, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive systems, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation opportunities. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers "Valid Accounts" and T1566 which addresses "Phishing for Information," as the compromised credentials can be used for additional attack vectors including social engineering campaigns and targeted attacks against other systems within the network perimeter. The long timeframe of vulnerability exposure in versions 1.0.0-0ubuntu3 and prior suggests that organizations may have been unknowingly running systems with compromised authentication security for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the cryptographic weakness, along with comprehensive credential rotation for all affected users. Organizations should implement proper cryptographic practices including the use of strong encryption algorithms such as AES-256 with proper key management, and avoid storing credentials in any form that could be recovered through offline attacks. The solution should incorporate principles from NIST Special Publication 800-63B for digital identity management and adhere to the recommendations in the OWASP Cryptographic Storage Cheat Sheet. Additional protective measures include implementing multi-factor authentication, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses in other system components. System administrators should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized modifications to credential cache files and establish proper access controls to limit who can read these sensitive files.