CVE-2013-6445 in Enterprise MRG
Summary
by MITRE
Cumin (aka MRG Management Console), as used in Red Hat Enterprise MRG 2.5, uses the DES-based crypt function to hash passwords, which makes it easier for attackers to obtain sensitive information via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6445 affects Cumin, also known as MRG Management Console, which is part of Red Hat Enterprise MRG 2.5. This security flaw stems from the use of the outdated DES-based crypt function for password hashing, creating a significant weakness in the authentication system that directly impacts the overall security posture of the managed environment. The implementation of such weak cryptographic hashing mechanisms represents a fundamental failure in security design that exposes systems to various attack vectors.
The technical flaw lies in the cryptographic implementation where the DES-based crypt function is employed for password hashing instead of modern, secure alternatives such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2. The DES algorithm, with its 56-bit key length, is inherently vulnerable to brute-force attacks due to its relatively small key space and the computational power available to modern attackers. This weakness is exacerbated by the fact that the crypt function used in this context does not incorporate salt values or sufficient iterations, making password recovery significantly more feasible through dictionary and brute-force attacks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-328, which covers the use of weak hash functions. Additionally, this weakness enables adversaries to leverage techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1110, specifically credential access through brute force methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to the MRG Management Console, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative privileges over the entire messaging infrastructure. This access could enable attackers to modify message queues, intercept sensitive communications, disrupt services, or establish persistent access points within the network. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where MRG systems manage critical messaging workflows and where unauthorized access could compromise business continuity and data integrity. Organizations relying on this vulnerable implementation face increased risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations due to inadequate security controls. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks, making it a critical concern for security operations teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6445 require immediate implementation of stronger cryptographic hashing mechanisms within the Cumin console. Organizations should upgrade to modern password hashing algorithms that incorporate salt values and multiple iterations to resist brute-force attacks. The recommended approach involves migrating from DES-based crypt to bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 implementations that provide adequate security against contemporary attack methodologies. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including account lockout policies, multi-factor authentication, and regular security assessments. The remediation process must include comprehensive password resets for all affected accounts, along with monitoring for suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any successful compromise, while ensuring proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.