CVE-2014-3528 in Subversion
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Subversion 1.0.0 through 1.7.x before 1.7.17 and 1.8.x before 1.8.10 uses an MD5 hash of the URL and authentication realm to store cached credentials, which makes it easier for remote servers to obtain the credentials via a crafted authentication realm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3528 affects Apache Subversion versions ranging from 1.0.0 through 1.7.x before 1.7.17 and 1.8.x before 1.8.10, representing a significant security flaw in the credential caching mechanism of the version control system. This issue stems from the use of MD5 hashing algorithm to generate cache keys for stored authentication credentials, which creates predictable and exploitable patterns that adversaries can leverage to compromise user authentication data.
The technical flaw resides in the credential caching implementation where Subversion employs MD5 hash functions to map URL and authentication realm information into cache identifiers. This approach fundamentally weakens the security posture because MD5 is known to be cryptographically broken and susceptible to collision attacks, making it possible for malicious actors to craft specific authentication realms that will match the cached credential entries. The vulnerability specifically impacts the credential storage mechanism that operates without proper salt values or additional entropy, creating a deterministic mapping that adversaries can exploit through crafted server responses.
Operationally, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to obtain cached credentials by manipulating the authentication realm parameter during server interactions. When a client connects to a malicious server, the attacker can craft an authentication realm string that produces the same MD5 hash as a legitimate cached credential, thereby gaining access to stored authentication information. This creates a sophisticated attack vector that does not require direct network interception or man-in-the-middle capabilities, but rather relies on the predictable nature of MD5-based cache key generation. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft to potentially enable unauthorized access to repositories and compromise the integrity of version control operations.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through cached credentials. Organizations using affected Subversion versions face significant risk of credential compromise, particularly in environments where multiple repositories are accessed or where users maintain long-term connections to potentially malicious servers. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where version control systems are extensively used. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching to versions 1.7.17 or 1.8.10 and later, implementing additional authentication security measures, and potentially disabling credential caching in high-risk environments. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of using cryptographically secure hashing algorithms in security-sensitive applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can create substantial security weaknesses in authentication systems.