CVE-1999-1215

Step 1: Local Access: The attacker must first gain local access to the vulnerable NetWare server. This could be achieved through physical access, compromised user accounts, or other local vulnerabilities. Step 2: File System Access: The attacker needs to access the server's file system, which is typically accessible through a shared drive or other network shares. Step 3: Locate the Credential File: The attacker must identify the file where LOGIN.EXE temporarily stores the username and password. The exact location is not specified in the CVE but would likely be in a temporary directory or a log file. Step 4: Credential Extraction: The attacker reads the file containing the username and password. This can be done using standard file access tools. Step 5: Privilege Escalation: With the username and password in hand, the attacker can then log in to the system with the compromised credentials, gaining elevated privileges.

The vulnerability stems from a design flaw in the LOGIN.EXE program within Novell NetWare 4.0 and 4.01. The program temporarily writes the user's username and password to disk during the authentication process. This insecure storage mechanism, likely implemented for performance or debugging purposes, leaves the credentials vulnerable to local access. The lack of proper encryption or secure storage practices allows an attacker to easily retrieve the sensitive information.