CVE-2013-5208 in Hr Human Resource Information System
Summary
by MITRE
HR Systems Strategies info:HR HRIS 7.9 does not properly protect the database password, which allows local users to bypass intended database restrictions by accessing the USERPW registry key and bypassing an unspecified obfuscation technique.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5208 affects HR Systems Strategies info:HR HRIS version 7.9, representing a critical weakness in the application's database security implementation. This flaw resides in the software's handling of database authentication credentials, specifically the database password protection mechanism. The vulnerability enables local attackers to circumvent intended security controls by exploiting a registry key access point, effectively undermining the application's built-in protection measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate credential protection within the Windows registry. The HRIS application employs an unspecified obfuscation technique to protect the database password, yet this method proves insufficient against determined local attackers. By accessing the USERPW registry key, malicious users can retrieve the database credentials without proper authentication, bypassing the intended security restrictions. This represents a classic case of weak credential storage and insufficient access control mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on the HRIS application for sensitive personnel data management. Local attackers with system access can gain unauthorized database connectivity, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of employee records, or disruption of HR processes. The vulnerability's local attack vector means that any user with access to the system can exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation is not properly enforced. The bypass of obfuscation techniques also indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, suggesting that similar vulnerabilities may exist in other credential handling components.
The security implications align with CWE-522, which addresses insufficiently protected credentials, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credentials from password stores. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including registry access controls, privilege separation, and enhanced credential management practices. Regular security audits of registry configurations and application security reviews are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust credential protection mechanisms and proper access controls in enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive personnel data.