CVE-2017-1000066 in KeePass
Summary
by MITRE
The entry details view function in KeePass version 1.32 inadvertently decrypts certain database entries into memory, which may result in the disclosure of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000066 resides within KeePass version 1.32's entry details view functionality, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that directly impacts the security posture of password management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of database entries during the viewing process, where certain entries are inadvertently decrypted and loaded into memory without proper access controls or sanitization measures. The flaw exploits a fundamental weakness in how the software manages cryptographic operations during user interaction with password database entries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of decrypted data within the application's memory space during the display of entry details. When users access the details view of certain database entries, the software performs decryption operations that are not adequately isolated from the memory management processes. This creates a scenario where sensitive cryptographic material remains accessible in memory even after the decryption process should have completed, allowing for potential memory inspection attacks. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in the software's memory sanitization protocols, where decrypted entries are not properly cleared from memory locations after display, leaving residual data accessible to malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with local system access. An attacker who gains access to the system running KeePass 1.32 could potentially extract decrypted password entries from memory through various techniques including memory dumps, process inspection, or specialized forensic tools. This threat is particularly concerning given that KeePass serves as a primary password management solution for many organizations, making the compromise of its memory contents equivalent to gaining access to a comprehensive password database. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it operates silently without user notification, making detection extremely difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000066 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the memory handling flaws in the entry details view function. Organizations should implement comprehensive memory protection mechanisms including process isolation, memory sanitization routines, and regular security audits of password management systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic case of improper data handling in memory management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through memory scraping and process manipulation, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing defensive security measures. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and establish protocols for immediate response to potential memory compromise incidents, as the vulnerability's silent nature makes traditional detection methods insufficient for protection.