CVE-2016-7043 in KIE Server
Summary
by MITRE
It has been reported that KIE server and Busitess Central before version 7.21.0.Final contain username and password as plaintext Java properties. Any app deployed on the same server would have access to these properties, thus granting access to ther services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7043 represents a critical configuration flaw in the KIE server and Business Central components of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the application's configuration files, where username and password values are stored in plain text format within Java properties files. The flaw exists in versions prior to 7.21.0.Final, indicating a long-standing security weakness that could have affected numerous deployments across enterprise environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of sensitive authentication information in easily accessible configuration files that are part of the application's deployment structure. When these properties files contain plaintext credentials, any application or service running within the same server environment gains direct access to these authentication details through standard file system operations. This configuration exposes the system to privilege escalation attacks where malicious applications can read these properties and subsequently gain unauthorized access to backend services, databases, or other protected resources that rely on the stored credentials for authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the application server environment. Attackers who can deploy or execute code on the same server hosting the KIE server and Business Central components can directly extract authentication credentials and leverage them to access sensitive enterprise data and services. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations where multiple applications share the same server infrastructure, as the compromise of one application immediately provides access to credentials for other services. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure configuration management practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the nature of KIE server deployments in enterprise environments where these systems often serve as central hubs for business process management and workflow automation. The exposure of credentials could enable attackers to manipulate business processes, access confidential data, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the entire platform. Organizations utilizing these components without proper credential protection measures face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to critical business systems. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the use of credentials in files, and demonstrates how insecure configuration practices can create persistent attack vectors that remain exploitable until proper remediation is implemented.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to versions 7.21.0.Final or later, where proper credential handling mechanisms have been implemented. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all configuration files to identify and remove any plaintext credentials, implementing secure credential storage solutions such as encrypted configuration management systems or external credential stores. The remediation process should also include reviewing application deployment permissions to ensure that only authorized applications can access sensitive configuration files, thereby reducing the attack surface and implementing the principle of least privilege.