CVE-2020-18220:Weak Password Encryption in DoraCMS v2.1.1 and Earlier

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Description Preview

DoraCMS v2.1.1 and earlier versions implement insufficient password encryption using AES-CBC without a random salt or initialization vector (IV). This weak cryptographic implementation makes encrypted passwords vulnerable to dictionary attacks, allowing attackers to potentially recover user credentials.

Overview

DoraCMS, a Node.js content management system, contains a critical security vulnerability (CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength) in its password handling mechanism. The system uses AES-CBC encryption for passwords but fails to implement proper cryptographic practices by not using random salts or initialization vectors. This implementation flaw significantly weakens the encryption, making it possible for attackers to conduct dictionary attacks against the encrypted passwords. When the same password is encrypted multiple times, it produces identical ciphertext, further compromising security by making pattern recognition possible.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, system administrators and developers should:

  1. Upgrade to the latest version of DoraCMS that addresses this vulnerability
  2. If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider implementing a proper password hashing mechanism using modern algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2
  3. Ensure that any cryptographic implementation includes random salts and appropriate initialization vectors
  4. Force password resets for all users after implementing the security fix
  5. Review all cryptographic implementations in the application for similar weaknesses
  6. Consider implementing additional authentication security measures such as multi-factor authentication

References

  1. GitHub Issue: https://github.com/doramart/DoraCMS/issues/190
  2. CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/326.html
  3. OWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet - https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Password_Storage_Cheat_Sheet.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database