82446 : Multics Password File Encryption Compromise
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Timeline

Disclosure Date
1979-01-01

Description

Multics contains a flaw that may allow a local user to gain access to unencrypted passwords. The issue is due to the operating system using an unspecified, but very weak (even at the time) encryption algorithm to protect user passwords. Using unspecified cryptographic methods, it was possible to break the cypher and decrypt all of the user passwords.

Classification

Location: Local Access Required
Attack Type: Cryptographic
Impact: Loss of Confidentiality
Solution: Discontinued Product
Exploit: Exploit Private
Disclosure: Uncoordinated Disclosure

Solution

The vendor has discontinued this product and therefore has no patch or upgrade that mitigates this problem. It is recommended that an alternate software package be used in its place.

Products

Honeywell International Inc.

Multics

Unknown or Unspecified

References

Related OSVDB ID: 82444 82445 82447
Generic Informational URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multics
http://www.multicians.org/
Other Advisory URL: http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1979/jan-feb/schell.html

Credit

Roger R. Schell - United States Air Force

CVSSv2 Score

NVD does not currently have a CVSSv2 score assigned.

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