Microsoft FrontPage Extensions authors.pwd file could reveal encrypted passwords
| frontpage-pwd-authors (3393) |  Low Risk |
Description:
Microsoft FrontPage Extensions creates an authors.pwd file inside the _vti_pvt directory in the HTTP server's document root. This file contains crypted passwords that could be remotely retrieved by an attacker and cracked offline. If the passwords in this file are weak enough, or enough time is spent cracking them, the attacker could potentially obtain the plaintext password and use it to access resources on the server.
Consequences:
Obtain Information
Remedy:
Make sure passwords chosen for FrontPage accounts are strong enough to subvert cracking attempts if the hashes are obtained by an attacker. Also, the permissions on the _vti_pvt directory and the *.pwd files therein should be modified to disallow remote attackers from retrieving them. This work-around may or may not adversely affect the normal operation of the FrontPage server.
References:
- Microsoft TechNet Web page: List of Special Files and Directories Maintained by FrontPage.
Platforms Affected:
- Microsoft FrontPage
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
- Microsoft Windows 95
- Microsoft Windows 98
- Microsoft Windows 98SE
- Microsoft Windows Me
- Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
- Microsoft Windows XP
Reported:
Not available
The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (IBM Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.
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