password-cleartext-encryption: Store Passwords Using Reversible Encryption Check

2025-08-01 password cleartext encryption PoC Public

Description

Ensure the "Store passwords using reversible encryption" policy is set to Disabled. If enabled, it can allow stored passwords to be retrieved in plaintext, posing a serious security risk.

PoC

id: password-cleartext-encryption

info:
  name: Store Passwords Using Reversible Encryption Check
  author: nukunga[SungHyunJeon]
  severity: medium
  description: |
    Ensure the "Store passwords using reversible encryption" policy is set to Disabled. If enabled, it can allow stored passwords to be retrieved in plaintext, posing a serious security risk.
  impact: |
    If this setting is enabled, attackers could potentially recover user passwords, leading to unauthorized access and compromise of network resources.
  remediation: |
    Disable this policy using one of the following methods:
    - Command Line: Export the security configuration, set ClearTextPassword=0, and reapply it using secedit.
    - GUI: Open Local Security Policy → Account Policies → Password Policy → "Store passwords using reversible encryption" and set it to Disabled.
  reference:
    - https://isms.kisa.or.kr/main/csap/notice/?boardId=bbs_0000000000000004&mode=view&cntId=85
  tags: code,windows-audit,kisa,account-management,password-policy

self-contained: true

code:
  - pre-condition: |
      IsWindows();
    engine:
      - powershell
      - powershell.exe
    args:
      - -ExecutionPolicy
      - Bypass
    pattern: "*.ps1"
    source: |
      # Export security settings to a configuration file
      secedit /export /cfg C:\cfg.txt | Out-Null
      $cfg = Get-Content C:\cfg.txt | Out-String
      if ($cfg -match "ClearTextPassword\s*=\s*(\d)") {
          $value = $Matches[1]
          if ($value -eq "1") {
              "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_ENABLED"
          } else {
              "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_DISABLED"
          }
      } else {
          "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_NOT_FOUND"
      }

    matchers:
      - type: word
        words:
          - "CLEAR_TEXT_PASSWORD_ENABLED"
# digest: 490a0046304402206180f772353986ee4ee889d90160f393e2ebc4aa0522f36d6f7c786b055b70b9022012eaa06861d6d4669161f399c0c732efcc36cb235c906f501355a7dc2506a1b6:922c64590222798bb761d5b6d8e72950

# Visit https://trap.biu.life/ to view exploit trends for this vulnerability.

References

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