CVE-2024-1040 identifies a vulnerability in the Gessler GmbH WEB-MASTER product, version 7.9, where user account passwords are stored using a weak hashing algorithm, classified under CWE-328 (Use of Weak Hash). This weakness allows an attacker with access to the stored password hashes to potentially recover the original passwords by breaking the weak hashes. The vulnerability requires local access (Attack Vector: Local) and privileges (PR:H) to exploit, with no user interaction needed. The weakness impacts confidentiality, as password hashes can be reversed, exposing user credentials. However, it does not affect integrity or availability directly. The CVSS score is 4.4 (medium severity), reflecting the limited attack vector and required privileges. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The use of weak hashing algorithms (such as MD5 or SHA-1) is a common security flaw that undermines password security, enabling attackers to perform offline brute-force or rainbow table attacks to recover passwords. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where WEB-MASTER is used to manage critical systems or sensitive data, as compromised credentials could lead to further unauthorized access or privilege escalation.

For European organizations using Gessler GmbH WEB-MASTER version 7.9, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality of user credentials. If an attacker gains local access to the system storing these hashes, they could recover passwords and potentially escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or control systems managed by WEB-MASTER. Given the medium CVSS score and the requirement for local privileged access, the immediate risk is moderate but could escalate if combined with other vulnerabilities or insider threats. Organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, industrial control, or critical infrastructure that rely on WEB-MASTER for system management should be particularly vigilant. The lack of patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls until a fix is available. The exposure of credentials could also increase the risk of targeted attacks or insider misuse, impacting compliance with European data protection regulations like GDPR if personal data is involved.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting local access to systems running WEB-MASTER to trusted and authorized personnel only, minimizing the risk of an attacker obtaining the password hashes. 2. Implement strong access controls and monitoring on devices hosting WEB-MASTER to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. 3. Where possible, enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts to reduce the impact of compromised passwords. 4. Regularly audit and review user accounts and privileges within WEB-MASTER to limit exposure. 5. If feasible, manually upgrade or replace the weak hashing mechanism by contacting Gessler GmbH support or applying custom patches, or migrate to a more secure password management system until an official patch is released. 6. Monitor vendor communications for patch releases and apply updates promptly. 7. Educate users about the importance of strong, unique passwords to reduce the risk from password recovery. 8. Consider network segmentation to isolate WEB-MASTER systems from broader enterprise networks to limit lateral movement if credentials are compromised.