CVE-2019-0177 in Open CIT
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient password protection in the attestation database for Open CIT may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0177 resides within the Open CIT attestation database system, representing a critical weakness in the authentication and access control mechanisms that govern sensitive cryptographic data. This flaw specifically targets the password protection mechanisms implemented to secure the attestation database, which serves as a crucial component in establishing trust relationships between cryptographic systems and their operational environments. The vulnerability manifests when insufficient password protection measures are applied to the database containing attestation information, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized access and data exposure.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate cryptographic strength or improper implementation of password-based access controls within the Open CIT framework. This weakness allows an authenticated user who has already gained access to the system to potentially exploit the insufficient password protection mechanisms and access sensitive attestation data. The vulnerability operates under the principle that the system assumes all authenticated users are trustworthy, failing to implement proper segregation of duties or additional access controls for sensitive database operations. This design oversight creates a scenario where legitimate access privileges can be leveraged to bypass intended security boundaries, effectively transforming authenticated access into unauthorized information disclosure capabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to cryptographic system integrity and trust establishment processes. The attestation database contains critical information about system configurations, cryptographic keys, and trust relationships that, when disclosed, can compromise the entire security architecture. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive attestation records that reveal system configurations, key usage patterns, and trust relationships, enabling them to craft more sophisticated attacks against the cryptographic infrastructure. The local access requirement means that physical or network-based compromise of the system is necessary before this vulnerability can be exploited, but once achieved, it provides access to potentially valuable cryptographic intelligence.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, which specifically addresses inadequate password quality controls in authentication systems. This weakness creates an environment where access control mechanisms fail to provide adequate protection for sensitive data, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate authenticated access to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations implementing Open CIT systems face potential exposure to attackers who can leverage their existing access privileges to bypass intended security controls and access critical attestation data.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0177 require immediate implementation of enhanced password protection mechanisms for the attestation database. Organizations should enforce strong password policies with minimum complexity requirements, including minimum length, character variety, and regular rotation schedules. The system should implement proper access control lists with role-based permissions that restrict database access to only authorized personnel with legitimate business needs. Additional security controls such as database encryption at rest, secure key management practices, and comprehensive audit logging should be implemented to provide defense in depth. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that access control mechanisms remain effective against evolving threats. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain continuous oversight of database access patterns.