CVE-2014-3503 in Syncope
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Syncope 1.1.x before 1.1.8 uses weak random values to generate passwords, which makes it easier for remote attackers to guess the password via a brute force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
Apache Syncope version 1.1.x prior to 1.1.8 contains a critical cryptographic weakness in its password generation mechanism that directly exposes systems to brute force attacks. This vulnerability stems from the use of weak random number generators that produce predictable or insufficiently random password values. The flaw resides in the core authentication system where user credentials are automatically generated, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access. According to the CWE classification system, this represents a weakness in randomness and entropy generation under CWE-330, specifically manifesting as insufficient entropy in generated passwords. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to significantly reduce the computational effort required to guess valid passwords through systematic brute force approaches, making automated attack tools highly effective against affected systems. This weakness fundamentally undermines the security of user authentication within the Syncope framework, as the predictability of generated passwords directly correlates with the probability of successful unauthorized access. The operational impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised accounts can provide attackers with persistent access to sensitive organizational data and system functionalities. Organizations utilizing affected versions face increased risk of data breaches, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including credential access and privilege escalation, where attackers can leverage the predictable password generation to gain unauthorized system access. The weak randomization mechanism represents a fundamental flaw in the cryptographic implementation that violates basic security principles for credential generation. This issue particularly affects systems where automated user provisioning occurs through Syncope, as the generated passwords become predictable patterns that can be enumerated through dictionary or brute force attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security engineering practices in the implementation of random number generation, where standard cryptographic libraries or secure random generators were not properly utilized. Security assessments reveal that the affected versions generate passwords using pseudo-random number generators that lack sufficient entropy to provide adequate security guarantees against automated attack methods. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache Syncope 1.1.8 or later versions to remediate this vulnerability and ensure that all generated credentials meet minimum security requirements. The fix implemented in version 1.1.8 addresses the underlying random number generation algorithm to incorporate proper cryptographic randomness, thereby eliminating the predictable patterns that made brute force attacks viable. System administrators must also conduct comprehensive security reviews of all automated credential generation processes to ensure similar weaknesses do not exist in other components of their infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper entropy in cryptographic implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create substantial security risks. Organizations should implement additional monitoring and detection mechanisms to identify potential exploitation attempts against systems using vulnerable versions of the software. The remediation process requires careful consideration of existing user accounts and potential impact on system availability during the upgrade process. Security teams should also validate that the updated implementation properly generates cryptographically secure random values across all password generation scenarios within the Syncope environment.