CVE-2010-3684 in Dsm
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP authentication module in Synology Disk Station 2.x logs passwords to the web application interface in cases of incorrect login attempts, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a log, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-2453.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3684 affects Synology Disk Station 2.x systems and represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the FTP authentication module. This vulnerability stems from improper logging practices where the system records password information in plaintext within web application logs during failed login attempts. The flaw creates a significant security risk as it directly contradicts fundamental security principles governing credential handling and log management. According to CWE-532, this vulnerability falls under the category of "Information Exposure Through Log Data," which specifically addresses situations where sensitive information is inadvertently written to log files that may be accessible to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, affecting the web interface that serves as the primary management point for Synology Disk Station systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the authentication module's error handling mechanism. When a user attempts to authenticate via FTP and provides incorrect credentials, the system's logging subsystem captures not only the username but also the password in plaintext format. This logging occurs in the web application interface logs, which are typically stored in accessible locations within the system's file structure. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output handling practices, as the system fails to properly sanitize authentication data before writing it to log files. Attackers can exploit this by simply accessing the web application logs through local file system access or other means, thereby obtaining passwords without requiring additional attack vectors. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: SSH Keys" and T1078.002 for "Valid Accounts: Default Accounts" as it facilitates unauthorized access to legitimate user credentials through information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft, creating cascading security risks throughout the affected system. Local users with minimal privileges can directly access password information, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks or lateral movement within the network. The exposure of passwords through log files creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the logs are properly managed or the system is patched. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to the system, and where log files are not properly secured or rotated. The flaw also impacts the system's overall security posture by violating the principle of least privilege and demonstrating inadequate security controls. According to NIST SP 800-53 security controls, this vulnerability represents a failure to implement proper log management and access controls, specifically addressing controls SI-7 for system and information integrity and SC-7 for network access control. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after the initial failed login attempt, the password information remains accessible in the logs for potentially extended periods, creating an ongoing risk that can be exploited by any user with local access to the system's file structure.