CVE-2017-8296 in kedpm
Summary
by MITRE
kedpm 0.5 and 1.0 creates a history file in ~/.kedpm/history that is written in cleartext. All of the commands performed in the password manager are written there. This can lead to the disclosure of the master password if the "password" command is used with an argument. The names of the password entries created and consulted are also accessible in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8296 affects kedpm versions 0.5 and 1.0, presenting a significant security risk through improper handling of sensitive information in cleartext. This password manager application creates a history file at ~/.kedpm/history that logs all commands executed within the application without any form of encryption or obfuscation. The flaw represents a direct violation of security best practices for handling sensitive data, as it exposes critical information in an easily accessible format. The history file serves as a persistent record of user activities, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to password management operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper data sanitization and encryption mechanisms for its history logging functionality. When users execute commands such as the "password" command with arguments, the application records these operations in cleartext format within the history file. This design flaw allows for the complete disclosure of master passwords and password entry names, effectively undermining the security of the entire password management system. The cleartext storage of commands creates a persistent threat vector that remains active even after the application session ends, as the history file persists on the filesystem. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses cleartext storage of sensitive data, and demonstrates poor input validation and output handling practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create potential compromise scenarios for users relying on the password manager. Attackers who gain access to the target system can immediately retrieve stored credentials by examining the history file, potentially gaining access to multiple accounts and services. The disclosure of password entry names creates additional risk as it reveals the scope of the password manager's usage, allowing adversaries to target specific accounts or services that may have weaker security controls. The vulnerability affects any user who has utilized the password manager with the affected versions, creating a widespread security concern. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the use of unencrypted credentials, and demonstrates how poor application design can create persistent security weaknesses.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that password managers are designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. The cleartext storage of commands in the history file creates a situation where even legitimate users who are not directly targeted by attackers could inadvertently expose their security credentials. The flaw exists at the application level rather than being a network-based vulnerability, making it more difficult to detect and remediate. Users who store multiple passwords in the system face compounded risk as the history file contains a comprehensive record of all password management activities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure data handling practices and proper application design, particularly for tools that manage sensitive information. The persistence of the history file on the filesystem creates a long-term security risk that cannot be resolved through simple application restarts or temporary session management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through application updates to versions that properly encrypt or sanitize history file contents. Users should be advised to avoid using the affected versions of kedpm and to manually delete existing history files if they have been compromised. System administrators should implement access controls to limit file system access to the history file, though this approach only provides partial protection. The most effective solution involves updating to a version of kedpm that implements proper encryption for history logging or removes the cleartext logging functionality entirely. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access to sensitive history files, particularly in shared or multi-user environments. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the protection of sensitive data in applications and the importance of secure coding practices.