1. Introduction
The Apache OFBiz Default Credentials vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to a web application due to the use of default login credentials. This can lead to complete system compromise, including data theft and modification. Systems running Apache OFBiz with unchanged default passwords are at risk. A successful exploit could impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability occurs because the Apache OFBiz application ships with pre-defined usernames and passwords that are not changed during installation. An attacker can use these credentials to log in and perform administrative actions. There is no known CVE associated with this specific issue, but it falls under CWE-798: Use of Hardcoded Credentials. A remote attacker could simply attempt to login using the default username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’. Affected versions include those where the default credentials have not been modified.
- Root cause: The Apache OFBiz application uses hardcoded default credentials for initial access.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to log in using the default username and password combination.
- Scope: Apache OFBiz web applications with default credentials enabled.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by attempting to login with the default credentials. A thorough method involves scanning for open ports associated with the application and then testing those ports with common default usernames and passwords.
- Quick checks: Attempt to log in to the Apache OFBiz web interface using username ‘admin’ and password ‘admin’.
- Scanning: Nessus vulnerability ID 8b4a07db can detect this issue (example only).
- Logs and evidence: Check application logs for successful login attempts with the default credentials. Log paths vary depending on installation, but typically reside within the OFBiz log directory.
# No command available to check directly; manual testing is required.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution involves securing each account with a strong password. Follow these steps to fix the issue.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have administrative access to the application and database. A roll back plan involves restoring the backed-up configuration files.
- A change window may be required depending on your environment, with approval from system owners.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the Apache OFBiz application as the ‘admin’ user using the default credentials.
- Step 2: Navigate to “Administration” -> “User Management”.
- Step 3: Locate the ‘admin’ user account and select it.
- Step 4: Change the password for the ‘admin’ account to a strong, unique password.
- Step 5: Repeat steps 3-4 for all other default accounts or any accounts with weak passwords.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No config file example available, as password changes are done through the UI. Default credentials exist in the application's initial setup.After
# After changing the default passwords via the web interface, there is no direct configuration change to show. The 'admin' account will have a new password stored securely within the application database.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if an account is compromised. Strong passwords make brute-force attacks more difficult. Regular patch cadence ensures you are running secure versions of software.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege to limit the access granted to each user account.
- Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies and regular password changes.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No suitable automation script is available for this specific vulnerability due to the UI-based nature of the fix.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to log in using username ‘admin’ and the *new* password you set; confirm successful login.
- Re-test: Re-attempt login with the original default credentials (‘admin’, ‘admin’); confirm failed login.
- Monitoring: Check application logs for failed login attempts with the default credentials; alert if any are detected.
# No command available to check directly; manual testing is required.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include a requirement for changing default passwords during installation. Implement CI/CD pipelines with checks for hardcoded credentials in configuration files. A sensible patch or config review cycle should be established based on the risk profile of your environment.
- Baselines: Update security baselines to require strong password policies and immediate changes of default credentials.
- Pipelines: Add static code analysis (SCA) checks in CI/CD pipelines to detect hardcoded passwords or default settings.
- Asset and patch process: Review configuration files during patching or deployment to ensure default credentials have not been re-introduced.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing the password may temporarily disrupt access if the new password is forgotten. Incorrectly configured passwords could lock out administrative accounts. To roll back, restore the backed-up configuration files or reset the database to a previous state (if possible).
- Risk or side effect 1: Forgetting the new password can lead to temporary loss of access; document the password securely.
- Risk or side effect 2: Incorrectly configured passwords may lock out administrative accounts; test changes thoroughly.
- Roll back: Restore the backed-up Apache OFBiz configuration files and restart the service.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?8b4a07db