CVE-2015-1005 in embeddedWebServer
Summary
by MITRE
IniNet embeddedWebServer (aka eWebServer) before 2.02 for Windows CE uses cleartext for password storage, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1005 affects IniNet embeddedWebServer version 2.01 and earlier, which is designed for Windows CE operating systems. This embedded web server implementation suffers from a critical weakness in its password storage mechanism where credentials are stored in cleartext format rather than being properly hashed or encrypted. The vulnerability resides within the authentication subsystem of the web server software, specifically in how it handles user credential persistence and retrieval. This flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices and creates an inherent security risk for any system utilizing this embedded web server component. The issue is particularly concerning given that embedded systems often operate in environments where physical access may be possible, and the cleartext storage provides attackers with immediate access to valid authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests as a direct violation of secure password storage principles, where passwords are not subjected to cryptographic hashing or encryption before being stored in the system's credential database. This cleartext storage approach means that any attacker with access to the system's file storage or memory can directly read password information without requiring additional cracking or reverse engineering efforts. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack paths including local file system access, memory dumping, or through network-based reconnaissance that might reveal stored credentials. This weakness directly maps to CWE-256, which addresses the storage of passwords in cleartext, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling practices. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature indicates that exploitation requires some form of access to the target system, but once obtained, the cleartext storage makes the attack straightforward and highly effective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of any system relying on IniNet embeddedWebServer for web-based administration or access control. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the ability to modify system configurations. The embedded nature of the web server means that it is often used in critical infrastructure applications, industrial control systems, or networked devices where the consequences of credential compromise can be severe. The vulnerability affects not just individual user accounts but potentially entire system administration capabilities, as the cleartext storage approach means that all stored passwords are immediately accessible to an attacker with sufficient privileges. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised credential can lead to broader system infiltration and persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1005 must prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to version 2.02 or later, which presumably addresses the cleartext storage issue through proper password hashing mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of IniNet embeddedWebServer and prioritize their remediation. System administrators should implement additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation may not be immediately apparent. The implementation of proper password policies, including regular credential rotation and multi-factor authentication where possible, can help reduce the impact of any potential compromise. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential damage from credential theft. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, with the cleartext storage providing attackers with direct access to valid credentials without requiring additional exploitation of cryptographic weaknesses or advanced attack vectors. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly detect and respond to credential compromise scenarios involving embedded systems.