CVE-2025-0714 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Mobatek MobaXterm versions below 25.0. This vulnerability allows for the exploitation of weak password storage mechanisms, which employs a static initialization vector (IV) and a master key derived from user passwords. Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive information due to the predictable nature of the encryption process.
The vulnerability was published on February 17, 2025, and is classified with a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating medium severity. The static IV and master key make it easier for attackers to decrypt stored passwords, significantly raising the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, this vulnerability has not been reported as actively exploited, but the potential for future use exists given its impact on confidentiality. Organizations using affected versions of MobaXterm must take steps to mitigate this risk.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should address it during their priority patch cycle to minimize exposure and protect sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies include upgrading to the latest version of MobaXterm and applying any available patches to secure the application and its password storage mechanisms.
In summary, CVE-2025-0714 is a vulnerability that organizations should take seriously due to its potential impact on confidentiality. Immediate action is recommended to ensure the security of user credentials.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability exists in the password storage of Mobatek MobaXterm in versions below 25.0. MobaXterm uses an initialization vector (IV) consisting only of zero bytes and a master key to encrypt each password individually. In the default configuration, on opening MobaXterm, the user is prompted for their password. A derivative of the password is used as the master key. As both the master key and the IV are the same for each stored password, the AES CFB ciphertext depends only on the plaintext (the password). The static IV and master key make it easier to obtain sensitive information and to decrypt data when it is stored at rest.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, classifying it as medium severity. It features a local attack vector, low attack complexity, and low privileges required for exploitation. The confidentiality impact is high, while integrity and availability impacts are none.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure storage of passwords using a static IV and master key derived from user passwords. This flawed design allows for easier decryption of stored passwords, as both the IV and master key do not change, resulting in predictable encryption patterns.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker would need access to the system where MobaXterm is installed. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal skills to exploit. Users do not need to interact with the attacker for the exploitation to occur, as the vulnerability can be exploited automatically.
In terms of impacts, the vulnerability primarily affects confidentiality; if exploited, an attacker could gain access to sensitive information stored as passwords. However, there are no impacts on integrity or availability of the system.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using affected versions of MobaXterm face significant risks due to the potential exposure of sensitive password data. The static IV increases the likelihood of successful attacks, with attackers being able to decrypt stored passwords with relative ease.
The blast radius for this vulnerability could be extensive, particularly if MobaXterm is used in environments where sensitive data is managed. Organizations should consider the potential for unauthorized access to critical resources, which could lead to data breaches or compliance violations.
Given the CVSS score of 6.5 and the fact that it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should still treat this vulnerability with urgency and address it during their priority patch cycle to minimize exposure.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch for MobaXterm are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations must ensure they upgrade to version 25.0 or later to mitigate the associated risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should upgrade to MobaXterm version 25.0 or later as a primary remediation measure. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing strong access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts as interim measures.
Additionally, organizations may wish to conduct a security assessment of their configurations and security controls. Engaging in continuous security testing can help identify and mitigate such vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For more detailed guidance on security assessments and testing methodologies, organizations can refer to the penetration testing resources available.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly around the use of MobaXterm. Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized decryption attempts, should also be logged and investigated.
Network signatures indicating attempts to access MobaXterm resources should be established, and system changes should be tracked to identify any unauthorized alterations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust password management practices within applications. As organizations increasingly rely on third-party tools, ensuring that these tools do not introduce vulnerabilities is critical.
The pattern of using static keys and IVs for encryption is a recurring issue that can lead to significant risks if not addressed. Security teams should prioritize conducting thorough assessments of their applications and the libraries they utilize.
For organizations operating in sensitive environments, it is essential to implement ongoing security measures, such as penetration testing methodologies, to not only identify such vulnerabilities but also to enhance overall security postures.
In conclusion, CVE-2025-0714 serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in password management systems. By adopting best practices and performing regular security assessments, organizations can reduce their risk exposure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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