CVE-2019-0182 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 • 06/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0182 affects the Open CIT attestation database system, which is designed to provide secure authentication and authorization mechanisms for enterprise environments. This weakness stems from inadequate password protection measures within the attestation database infrastructure, creating a potential security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication database component that stores critical attestation information and credentials used for verifying system integrity and user identities. The flaw represents a significant concern for organizations relying on Open CIT for security validation and access control purposes, as it undermines the fundamental security assurances that such systems are designed to provide.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the insufficient cryptographic protection of passwords within the attestation database, allowing authenticated users with local access to potentially extract sensitive information. This vulnerability enables unauthorized information disclosure through local access points, where an attacker with legitimate authentication credentials could leverage their privileges to gain additional access to database contents. The weakness creates a path for privilege escalation and data exfiltration, particularly when the database stores sensitive attestation records that may contain system configurations, user credentials, or integrity verification data. The insufficient password protection typically involves weak encryption algorithms, inadequate key derivation functions, or improper storage mechanisms that fail to meet industry-standard security requirements for protecting sensitive database credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0182 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations utilizing Open CIT for security validation may face unauthorized access to critical attestation data that could be used to forge system integrity claims or bypass security controls. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under weakness category CWE-521, which addresses weak password requirements and insufficient password quality. The flaw can be exploited through local access methods, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical access or legitimate administrative privileges are compromised. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to gain deeper insights into system configurations and security posture, undermining the trust model that attestation databases are designed to establish.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust password protection mechanisms including strong encryption algorithms, proper key management practices, and enhanced database access controls. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Open CIT that address the insufficient password protection issues, while also implementing additional security measures such as database encryption, access logging, and privilege monitoring. The remediation process should include thorough password policy enforcement, regular security assessments of database configurations, and implementation of multi-factor authentication for database access. Security teams should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized database access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, and T1005 which addresses data from local system, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both authentication and data protection requirements. Organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify systems affected by this weakness and implement layered defense strategies that include both administrative and technical controls to prevent exploitation.