CVE-2018-6619 in Easy Hosting Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE
Easy Hosting Control Panel (EHCP) v0.37.12.b makes it easier for attackers to crack database passwords by leveraging use of a weak hashing algorithm without a salt.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2023
The Easy Hosting Control Panel EHCP version 0.37.12.b contains a critical security vulnerability that significantly weakens database password protection through the implementation of a flawed cryptographic hashing mechanism. This vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on a weak hashing algorithm that lacks proper salting mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that directly facilitates password cracking attempts by malicious actors. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in cryptographic implementation practices that undermines the security posture of systems relying on this hosting control panel solution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the use of unsalted hash functions that generate predictable cryptographic outputs for identical input passwords. When passwords are stored using weak hashing algorithms without salt values, attackers can employ precomputed rainbow table attacks or brute force methods with significantly reduced computational overhead. The absence of salt means that identical passwords produce identical hash values, eliminating the cryptographic randomness that should prevent such attacks. This weakness aligns with CWE-916, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms in security-critical applications. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for credential compromise that bypasses normal authentication protections.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6619 extends beyond simple password cracking to encompass complete system compromise potential. When database passwords are vulnerable to cracking, attackers gain unauthorized access to backend databases containing sensitive user information, configuration data, and potentially other system credentials. This vulnerability enables attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within networks, as database credentials often serve as gateways to broader system resources. The attack surface expands significantly since compromised database credentials can provide access to multiple services and applications that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through brute force or credential dumping, and privilege escalation through compromised credentials.
Organizations utilizing EHCP v0.37.12.b should immediately implement mitigations including immediate credential rotation for all database accounts, upgrading to patched versions of the software, and implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication. The remediation process must include thorough security auditing of all stored credentials and implementation of strong cryptographic practices including the use of salted hashing algorithms like bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2. System administrators should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access controls to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and highlights the need for regular security assessments of third-party software components to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses.