CVE-2024-1344 Overview
CVE-2024-1344 is a hardcoded credentials vulnerability affecting LaborOfficeFree version 19.10. This vulnerability allows an attacker to read and extract the username and password from the database of LOF_service.exe and LaborOfficeFree.exe located in the %programfiles(x86)%\LaborOfficeFree\ directory. The extracted credentials can be used to log in remotely with root-like privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Critical Impact
Attackers can extract database credentials from application binaries and gain remote access with administrative privileges, enabling full compromise of the affected system and its data.
Affected Products
- LaborOfficeFree version 19.10
- LOF_service.exe component
- LaborOfficeFree.exe component
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-02-19 - CVE-2024-1344 published to NVD
- 2025-03-24 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-1344
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from the use of hardcoded credentials (CWE-798) within the LaborOfficeFree application. The application stores encrypted database credentials within its executable files, but this encryption provides insufficient protection against a determined attacker. Once the credentials are extracted and decrypted, an attacker gains the ability to authenticate to the database with elevated privileges.
The impact is severe because the compromised account possesses root-like privileges, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive data within the database. Additionally, depending on the database configuration and network exposure, this could serve as a pivot point for further attacks within the organization's infrastructure.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is the use of hardcoded credentials embedded within the application binaries. The developers stored database authentication credentials directly in LOF_service.exe and LaborOfficeFree.exe, relying on encryption that can be reversed by an attacker with access to these files. This violates secure coding principles which dictate that credentials should never be stored within application code or binaries.
Attack Vector
The attack can be performed over the network without requiring any prior authentication or user interaction. An attacker who gains access to the LaborOfficeFree installation directory can extract the encrypted credentials from the executable files. Using reverse engineering techniques or known decryption methods, the attacker can then recover the plaintext database credentials. With these credentials, remote authentication to the database is possible, granting administrative access to the underlying data store.
The attack flow involves:
- Gaining access to the LaborOfficeFree installation directory at %programfiles(x86)%\LaborOfficeFree\
- Extracting encrypted credentials from LOF_service.exe or LaborOfficeFree.exe
- Decrypting the credentials using reverse engineering or cryptanalysis
- Connecting remotely to the database with the recovered credentials
- Performing privileged operations due to root-like access level
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-1344
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected remote database connections from unusual IP addresses or at unusual times
- Access to the LaborOfficeFree installation directory by unauthorized users or processes
- Signs of reverse engineering tools or debugging activity targeting LOF_service.exe or LaborOfficeFree.exe
- Anomalous database queries or administrative operations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor file access events on LOF_service.exe and LaborOfficeFree.exe for suspicious read operations
- Implement database audit logging to track authentication attempts and privileged operations
- Deploy endpoint detection rules to identify reverse engineering tools targeting LaborOfficeFree binaries
- Monitor network traffic for unexpected database connections originating from or destined to systems running LaborOfficeFree
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging on database servers to capture all authentication events
- Implement alerting for successful database authentications from non-standard source addresses
- Configure file integrity monitoring on the LaborOfficeFree installation directory
- Review database access patterns regularly for anomalous behavior indicative of credential misuse
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-1344
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict network access to the database server to only authorized systems
- Implement firewall rules to limit remote database connections
- Audit and rotate all database credentials immediately
- Review database access logs for signs of unauthorized access
- Consider isolating affected systems until a patch is available
Patch Information
Consult the INCIBE Multiple Vulnerabilities Notice for the latest information on available patches and updates from the vendor. Organizations should monitor for security updates from LaborOfficeFree and apply them as soon as they become available.
Workarounds
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the database from untrusted networks
- Use a VPN or other secure tunnel for any required remote database access
- Deploy additional authentication layers such as client certificates for database connections
- Apply the principle of least privilege by restricting the database account permissions where possible
- Monitor and alert on any remote database connection attempts
# Example firewall rule to restrict database access (adjust port and IPs as needed)
# Windows Firewall - Block remote database connections except from trusted hosts
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Block Remote DB Access" dir=in action=block protocol=tcp localport=3306
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Allow Trusted DB Access" dir=in action=allow protocol=tcp localport=3306 remoteip=192.168.1.0/24
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
