CVE-2024-6633 in FileCatalyst Workflow
Summary
by MITRE • 08/27/2024
The default credentials for the setup HSQL database (HSQLDB) for FileCatalyst Workflow are published in a vendor knowledgebase article. Misuse of these credentials could lead to a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the software.
The HSQLDB is only included to facilitate installation, has been deprecated, and is not intended for production use per vendor guides. However, users who have not configured FileCatalyst Workflow to use an alternative database per recommendations are vulnerable to attack from any source that can reach the HSQLDB.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-6633 represents a critical security weakness in FileCatalyst Workflow software where default credentials for the embedded HSQL database are publicly documented in vendor knowledgebase articles. This exposure creates a significant attack surface as malicious actors can readily obtain legitimate administrative access to the database without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The presence of published default credentials fundamentally undermines the security model of the application, as it provides an unauthenticated path to database access that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. According to the CWE classification system, this vulnerability maps to CWE-798 Use of Hard-coded Credentials, which is categorized as a high-risk weakness due to the permanent nature of hardcoded authentication information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical skill or resources to exploit, making it attractive to both automated attacks and less sophisticated threat actors.
The technical implementation flaw involves the inclusion of a deprecated HSQL database component within the FileCatalyst Workflow application that ships with predetermined username and password combinations. While the vendor explicitly states that this database is intended solely for installation purposes and should not be used in production environments, the default configuration leaves systems vulnerable during the setup phase and beyond. The HSQLDB component, despite being deprecated, remains accessible and functional, creating a persistent security risk for organizations that fail to properly configure their deployments. This misconfiguration allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to the database through any network path that can reach the default database endpoint, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Attackers who successfully exploit these default credentials can manipulate database contents, modify workflow configurations, or extract sensitive information stored within the FileCatalyst system. The compromise of database integrity poses significant risks to business operations, particularly in environments where workflow automation and document management are critical components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1078 Valid Accounts and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access using legitimate credentials while potentially discovering other network services. The availability aspect of the compromise is also concerning as attackers could potentially disrupt workflow processes or delete critical database entries, leading to operational downtime and business disruption.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability by configuring FileCatalyst Workflow to utilize alternative database systems rather than relying on the default HSQLDB component. The vendor recommendations should be strictly followed to ensure proper database configuration during deployment and ongoing maintenance. Security teams must conduct comprehensive audits of their FileCatalyst installations to identify systems still utilizing the deprecated database component. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict access to database endpoints, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized database connection attempts. Regular security assessments should include verification of database configurations and credential management practices to prevent similar issues in other software components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely updates and remediation of known vulnerabilities in their software inventory.