CVE-2016-5683 in ReadyDesk
Summary
by MITRE
ReadyDesk 9.1 allows local users to determine cleartext SQL Server credentials by reading the SQL_Config.aspx file and decrypting data with a hardcoded key in the ReadyDesk.dll file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5683 represents a critical security flaw in ReadyDesk 9.1 software that exposes sensitive database authentication credentials to local attackers. This issue stems from improper handling of cryptographic operations within the application's configuration management system, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized database access. The vulnerability specifically affects the SQL Server credential storage mechanism and demonstrates poor security practices in credential management and encryption implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a well-defined attack vector involving local file access and cryptographic reverse engineering. Attackers can directly read the SQL_Config.aspx configuration file which contains encrypted database credentials, then proceed to decrypt this data using a hardcoded encryption key embedded within the ReadyDesk.dll file. This hardcoded key represents a fundamental security weakness that violates established cryptographic best practices and creates a persistent backdoor for unauthorized access. The vulnerability falls under CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms and hardcoded keys, making it particularly dangerous as the encryption key remains static and easily discoverable through reverse engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating significant risk for organizations relying on ReadyDesk for database management. Local attackers with minimal privileges can escalate their access to full database control, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of sensitive information, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain direct access to backend databases, which may contain confidential customer data, financial records, or proprietary business information. This exposure creates a substantial risk for compliance violations and potential regulatory penalties under data protection frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and pci dss.
From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the attack framework, particularly those involving credential access and privilege escalation. The attack pattern follows the technique of credential dumping, where attackers extract authentication information from system files and then use that information to gain additional access. The availability of hardcoded keys makes this attack relatively straightforward and automated, requiring minimal technical expertise. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises, particularly when evaluating the security posture of legacy applications that may contain similar cryptographic weaknesses. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper key management practices and the dangers of embedding cryptographic keys within application code, which directly correlates with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through password dumping and T1078 for valid accounts usage.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate remediation through software updates from the vendor, implementation of proper key management practices, and comprehensive security auditing of all application components. Organizations should ensure that all cryptographic keys are properly managed through secure key management systems rather than hardcoded within application files. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The fix should include replacing hardcoded encryption keys with dynamically generated keys stored in secure configuration management systems, implementing proper access controls on configuration files, and ensuring that all sensitive data is properly encrypted using industry-standard algorithms with appropriate key lengths and rotation policies.