keepass.exePASSWORD MANAGERkeepass.exe - KeePass Password Manager Security Analysis
keepass.exe is the **KeePass password manager**, storing credentials in encrypted databases. As a **high-value target**, attackers attempt to steal KeePass databases, extract master passwords via memory, and use **CVE-2023-32784** to dump the master password. KeePass database theft represents **catastrophic credential compromise**.
Risk Summary
CRITICAL priority for SOC triage. KeePass stores all user credentials in one database - its compromise is catastrophic. Monitor for database file access by non-KeePass processes, memory dumping attempts, and exploitation of known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-32784.
Overview
What is keepass.exe?
KeePass is an open-source password manager storing credentials in encrypted databases.
Core Functions
Credential Storage:
- Encrypted password database (.kdbx)
- Master password protection
- Key file support
- Auto-type functionality
Security Significance
Attacker Value: MAXIMUM
- Contains all user passwords
- Single point of failure
- Memory-based attacks viable
- Known vulnerabilities exist
Normal Behavior
Normal Behavior
Expected Process State
| Property | Expected Value |
|---|---|
| Path | C:\Program Files\KeePass*\KeePass.exe |
| Parent | explorer.exe |
| User | Logged-in user |
| Network | Usually none |
| File Access | .kdbx database files |
Database Locations
Common: %USERPROFILE%\Documents\*.kdbx
Portable: USB drives
Sync: Cloud folders (Dropbox, OneDrive)
Common Locations
C:\Program Files\KeePass Password Safe 2\KeePass.exeC:\Program Files (x86)\KeePass Password Safe 2\KeePass.exeSuspicious Indicators
Legitimate vs Suspicious
LEGITIMATE
Path: C:\Program Files\KeePass*\KeePass.exe
Parent: explorer.exe
File Access: User's own .kdbx files
SUSPICIOUS
Path: C:\Temp\KeePass.exe
File Access: .kdbx by non-KeePass process
Behavior: Memory dump attempts
Keylogging around KeePass
Abuse Techniques
Attack Techniques
Technique #1: Master Password Extraction (CVE-2023-32784)
Memory Dump Attack:
# Vulnerability allows extracting master password from memory
# Affects KeePass < 2.54
Technique #2: Database Theft (T1555.005)
Stealing .kdbx Files:
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\ -Include *.kdbx -Recurse
# Exfiltrate database files
Technique #3: Keylogging (T1056.001)
Capturing master password during entry.
Technique #4: Memory Dumping (T1003)
Dumping KeePass process memory to extract credentials.
Detection Guidance
Detection Strategies
Priority #1: Database File Access
Process != "KeePass.exe" AND
FileAccess CONTAINS ".kdbx"
→ ALERT: CRITICAL - Database theft attempt
Priority #2: Memory Access
Process ACCESSES "KeePass.exe" memory AND
GrantedAccess IN [0x1F0FFF, 0x1010]
→ ALERT: CRITICAL - Password extraction attempt
Priority #3: KeePass Vulnerability
KeePass Version < 2.54
→ ALERT: HIGH - Vulnerable to CVE-2023-32784
Remediation Steps
Protection and Remediation
Defense: Update KeePass
Ensure KeePass >= 2.54 to mitigate CVE-2023-32784.
Defense: Key File
Use key file in addition to master password.
Defense: Secure Memory
Enable KeePass memory protection options.
If Compromise Suspected
- Change ALL stored passwords immediately
- Update KeePass to latest version
- Change master password
- Check for database exfiltration
- Enable 2FA everywhere possible
Investigation Checklist
Investigation Checklist
- Verify KeePass.exe path is legitimate
- Check KeePass version (< 2.54 vulnerable)
- Review .kdbx file access logs
- Check for memory access to KeePass
- Review for keyloggers
- Audit database file locations
- Check cloud sync for database exposure