CVE-2022-22789 in Charactell
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2022
Charactell - FormStorm Enterprise Account takeover – An attacker can modify (add, remove and update) passwords file for all the users. The xx_users.ini file in the FormStorm folder contains usernames in cleartext and an obfuscated password. Malicious user can take over an account by replacing existing password in the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22789 affects Charactell FormStorm Enterprise, a web-based form management system that stores user authentication credentials in a predictable and insecure manner. This issue represents a critical account takeover vulnerability that directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user authentication data within the application's configuration files. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of user credentials where sensitive information is stored in plain text within the xx_users.ini file located in the FormStorm directory structure. This configuration file contains usernames in cleartext format alongside obfuscated passwords, creating a scenario where an attacker with access to the file system can manipulate authentication data to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to implement proper access controls and credential management practices for its configuration files. The xx_users.ini file serves as a central repository for user authentication information, yet it lacks adequate protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modification. When an attacker gains access to this file, they can directly modify the password entries for any user account within the system. The obfuscation of passwords, while providing minimal security, does not constitute proper cryptographic protection and can be easily reversed or bypassed by determined attackers. This weakness aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) which specifically address the insecure handling of authentication credentials and the storage of sensitive data in readable formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to completely compromise the authentication system of FormStorm Enterprise. Once an attacker successfully modifies the password entries in the xx_users.ini file, they can assume the identity of any user within the system, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, administrative functions, and other system resources. This account takeover capability allows for persistent access to the application, enabling attackers to conduct extended reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised environment. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and maintain long-term access to the system without detection, as the modification occurs at the authentication file level rather than through direct network-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-22789 must address both the immediate file system access issues and the underlying credential storage vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement proper file system permissions to restrict access to the xx_users.ini file and all related configuration directories, ensuring that only authorized system processes can read or modify these sensitive files. The application should be updated to implement proper password hashing mechanisms using industry-standard algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2, rather than relying on simple obfuscation techniques. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication would significantly reduce the impact of credential compromise. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly focusing on secure credential management and access control implementation. The remediation process should include comprehensive audit of all configuration files and authentication mechanisms to ensure no similar vulnerabilities exist within the application's architecture.