CVE-2007-3700 in Java_system_access_manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Access Manager (formerly Java System Identity Server) before 20070710, when the message debug level is configured in the com.iplanet.services.debug.level property in AMConfig.properties, logs cleartext login passwords, which allows local users to gain privileges by reading /var/opt/SUNWam/debug/amAuth.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3700 affects Sun Java System Access Manager, formerly known as Java System Identity Server, specifically versions prior to 20070710. This security flaw stems from improper handling of debug logging configurations within the access management system. The vulnerability manifests when administrators configure the message debug level through the com.iplanet.services.debug.level property in the AMConfig.properties configuration file. This particular configuration setting enables verbose logging of system operations, which inadvertently includes cleartext credentials during authentication processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's debug logging mechanism failing to sanitize sensitive information before writing it to log files. When debug logging is enabled at the message level, the system records authentication events including user credentials in plaintext format. The specific log file location /var/opt/SUNWam/debug/amAuth becomes a repository for this sensitive data, creating an attack surface where unauthorized local users can access these logs and extract cleartext passwords. This represents a fundamental failure in information protection and secure logging practices, where sensitive authentication data is stored in an easily accessible format without proper access controls or encryption mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides local attackers with a direct path to privilege escalation within the access management system. Since the debug logs are stored locally on the system, any user with local access can potentially read these files and obtain valid authentication credentials for multiple accounts. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the access manager for identity and access control, as compromised local accounts can lead to broader system infiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it a preferred target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to enterprise authentication systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-532 (Information Exposure Through Log Files), demonstrating poor security practices in data handling and logging mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1562.006 (Impair Defenses) as attackers can leverage compromised credentials to maintain persistence while simultaneously undermining system defenses through log file manipulation. The vulnerability also reflects weaknesses in the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management, as it assumes that local system access is sufficient to protect sensitive data. Organizations should implement proper log file access controls, disable unnecessary debug logging in production environments, and ensure that sensitive information is never stored in cleartext format within system files or directories accessible to local users. Additionally, regular security auditing of configuration files and log management practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the system.