CVE-2018-19233 in Miss Marple Enterprise Edition
Summary
by MITRE
COMPAREX Miss Marple Enterprise Edition before 2.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code by reading the user name and encrypted password hard-coded in an Inventory Agent configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19233 affects COMPAREX Miss Marple Enterprise Edition versions prior to 2.0, presenting a critical security risk through improper credential handling within the Inventory Agent configuration file. This flaw represents a classic case of hard-coded credentials in software configuration, where sensitive authentication information is stored in plain text within a file accessible to local users. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure authentication credentials during the software installation and configuration process, creating an attack vector that directly enables privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Inventory Agent component which stores user credentials in a configuration file that lacks proper access controls or encryption mechanisms. Local users with access to the system can simply read this configuration file to obtain both the username and encrypted password, bypassing normal authentication procedures and gaining unauthorized access to the system. The encrypted password, while technically encrypted, appears to be vulnerable to reverse engineering or decryption due to weak cryptographic implementation or the use of predictable encryption algorithms. This weakness aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials and authentication data. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of CWE-798, which deals with the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications, making it particularly dangerous as it eliminates the need for complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. An attacker with local access can leverage the hard-coded credentials to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code within the target environment, potentially leading to persistent access and further lateral movement within the network. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where the Inventory Agent may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability directly enables techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1059 for command and script injection, allowing attackers to maintain persistence and execute malicious payloads without detection. The attack surface is significantly broadened as local users with minimal privileges can gain system-level access, potentially compromising entire enterprise networks if the application is deployed across multiple systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19233 require immediate remediation through the deployment of the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to version 2.0 and later. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The configuration files containing hard-coded credentials should be immediately secured through proper access controls and encryption mechanisms, while implementing centralized credential management solutions to eliminate the need for local storage of authentication information. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to configuration files and anomalous execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should implement principle of least privilege controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications, ensuring that credential storage practices align with industry standards and best practices for secure software development.