CVE-2016-7060 in QuickStart Cloud Installer
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in Red Hat QuickStart Cloud Installer (QCI) 1.0 does not mask passwords fields, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive password information by reading the display.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7060 affects the Red Hat QuickStart Cloud Installer version 1.0 web interface, specifically targeting the handling of password input fields within its user interface. This flaw represents a significant security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication credentials to unauthorized parties who have physical access to the system. The issue stems from the web application's failure to implement proper masking or obfuscation of password fields during user interaction, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries positioned in close physical proximity to the target system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper masking of sensitive data. In the context of web applications, this flaw demonstrates a failure in input field sanitization and user interface security implementation. When users enter passwords into the affected fields, the characters are displayed in plain text rather than being masked with asterisks or dots, making the information visible to anyone who can observe the screen. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in cloud installation environments where administrators may be working in shared physical spaces or where the installation process occurs in public areas where unauthorized individuals could potentially observe the screen.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it can lead to unauthorized access to cloud infrastructure and potentially compromise entire deployment environments. Attackers who can physically approach a system during the installation process can capture passwords used for authentication to cloud services, database connections, and administrative interfaces. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where cloud installations may occur in shared offices or data centers where physical security controls are insufficient. The attack vector is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1552.001, which covers "Credentials In Files" and represents a method of credential access that requires minimal technical skill and can be executed by adversaries with physical proximity to the target system.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability exemplifies poor security-by-design principles and highlights the importance of implementing proper input field masking as a fundamental security control. The remediation approach involves ensuring that all password fields in web applications are properly masked using standard HTML input attributes such as type="password" and appropriate CSS styling to prevent character visibility. Organizations should also implement additional physical security measures including screen privacy filters, restricted access to installation environments, and proper training for administrators on secure credential handling practices. The vulnerability demonstrates that even seemingly simple interface elements can create significant security risks when proper security controls are not implemented, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing that includes both functional and security aspects of user interfaces.