Zhongchuan Information Technology

We're seeing a concerning uptick in breaches originating from older, seemingly forgotten databases. What really struck us with this incident wasn't the size of the breach, but the age of the data and the continued use of outdated hashing algorithms. The data had been circulating quietly, but we noticed a spike in mentions on several Chinese-language hacking forums, indicating renewed interest in the exposed credentials. The fact that these credentials, despite being several years old, are still being actively traded and potentially used highlights the enduring risk posed by legacy systems and weak password security.

Zhongchuan Information Technology: A 2017 Breach Resurfaces with 28k Exposed Credentials

In October 2017, Zhongchuan Information Technology, a Chinese company specializing in digital document solutions, experienced a data breach that has recently resurfaced. The breach, which exposed nearly 58,000 records, has now been seen actively traded on several Chinese-language hacking forums, prompting renewed scrutiny and concern. The information was initially discovered in late 2017, but the recent activity indicates the data is still valuable to malicious actors.

The breach caught our attention due to the age of the data and the use of MD5 hashing for passwords. This outdated hashing algorithm is easily cracked using readily available tools, making the exposed credentials particularly vulnerable. The renewed interest in this data suggests that these credentials may still be valid on other platforms or within internal systems that have not been properly secured.

This incident underscores the importance of regularly auditing and securing legacy systems. Even breaches from several years ago can pose a significant risk if the exposed credentials remain active or if they can be used to gain access to other systems through credential stuffing attacks. It also highlights the persistent risk associated with weak or outdated security practices, such as the use of easily crackable hashing algorithms.

Key point: Total records exposed: 57,698

Key point: Total unique email addresses: Approximately 28,849

Key point: Types of data included: Email addresses and MD5 hashed passwords

Key point: Source structure: Likely a database export (details unavailable)

Key point: Leak location(s): Primarily Chinese-language hacking forums

Key point: Date of first appearance: October 19, 2017 (initial breach), renewed activity observed in Q3 2024

External Context & Supporting Evidence

While specific news coverage of the initial breach is limited, discussions on Chinese-language hacking forums confirm the existence and circulation of the data. One forum post claimed the database was being actively used for credential stuffing attacks against various Chinese online services. The use of MD5 hashing is a recurring theme in older breaches, as highlighted in numerous cybersecurity reports detailing the vulnerabilities of this algorithm.

Researchers have consistently warned against the use of MD5 for password storage. Many password cracking tools, like Hashcat, are optimized for cracking MD5 hashes quickly and efficiently. This makes any database using MD5 a prime target for attackers looking to reuse credentials across multiple platforms. This breach serves as a reminder that even older data can still pose a significant security risk if proper security measures are not in place.

Email · Address · Password · Hash