CVE-2025-2489 in Ntfs Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2025
Insecure information storage vulnerability in NTFS Tools version 3.5.1. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to know the application password, stored in /Users/user/Library/Application Support/ntfs-tool/config.json.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical insecure information storage flaw that affects NTFS Tools version 3.5.1, classified under CWE-312 sensitive data exposure. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of authentication credentials by storing the password in plaintext within a configuration file located at /Users/user/Library/Application Support/ntfs-tool/config.json. This represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices where sensitive information is persisted in an unencrypted format that remains accessible to any user with file system privileges. The flaw directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 guidelines for protecting sensitive data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct file system access where an attacker can simply navigate to the specified path and read the configuration file contents. The plaintext storage of the application password creates a persistent exposure that remains valid even after application restarts or system reboots. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1003.001 for OS credential dumping. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms for storing sensitive data, leaving the credential vulnerable to unauthorized access through standard file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to NTFS tools functionality that may include administrative privileges or sensitive system operations. An attacker who gains access to the configuration file can leverage the stored password to perform unauthorized operations with the NTFS tools, potentially leading to data manipulation, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for users who store sensitive information or perform critical system operations through the affected application. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation opportunities exist, as the stored credentials could provide access to other system resources or accounts with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through application updates that implement proper credential storage mechanisms such as encrypted configuration files or secure keychain integration. Organizations should conduct immediate assessment of all systems running affected versions to identify and remove vulnerable installations from production environments. The fix should implement encryption for sensitive data storage using industry-standard algorithms such as AES-256, and should integrate with operating system credential management systems where appropriate. Additionally, system administrators should implement file system access controls to restrict read permissions on sensitive configuration directories, though this represents a secondary mitigation since the primary fix requires application-level changes. Regular security audits should verify that no sensitive data is stored in plaintext format and that all credential storage mechanisms follow established security frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.