KGB Vulnerability Advisory 20060828-1

Title: Harris County JIMS Lack of Encryption of Non-Public Information
Date: 28 August 2006
Author: Particle Bored

Vulnerability Class:
Information Disclosure

Affected Systems:
http://www.jims.hctx.net/

Overview:
Queries to the Harris County Justice Information Management System are sent
over public networks unencrypted. Such queries include names and Social
Security numbers.

Technical Details:
HTTP POSTs to http://www.jims.hctx.net/so_public/wg1171_results1.htx are sent
in clear text.

Impact:
System Administrators and others with access to communications destined for the
site can intercept valid name/SSN pairs. Such interception of data could easily
be done in a manner that is not detectable.

Recommendations:
Utilize SSL, TLS or other globally recognized methods to encrypt transmission
of non-public information.

Discovered:
09 August 2006

Vendor Notified:
28 August 2006 (webmaster@jims.hctx.net, delivery failed)
28 August 2006 (info@jims.hctx.net, delivery failed)
28 August 2006 (help.desk@hcdistrictclerk.com)

General Release:
22 October 2006 After no response from vendor

Public Disclosure:
In order to best serve the interests of all parties affected this advisory will
be made publicly available 30 days after the initial vendor notification.


Disclaimer:
The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate at the time of
publishing based on currently available information. The information contained
within this advisory is supplied "as-is" with no warranties or guarantees of
fitness of use or otherwise. Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any
liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising
from use of, or reliance on, this information.


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