CVE-2010-3845 in libapache-authenhook-perl
Summary
by MITRE
libapache-authenhook-perl 2.00-04 stores usernames and passwords in plaintext in the vhost error log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3845 affects the libapache-authenhook-perl package version 2.00-04, which is a perl module designed to provide authentication hook functionality for apache web servers. This particular flaw represents a critical security oversight in how authentication credentials are handled within the web server environment. The module's improper configuration leads to sensitive authentication information being written to the virtual host error log files in an unencrypted format, creating a significant exposure point for attackers who gain access to these log files.
The technical flaw stems from the module's failure to properly sanitize authentication data before logging it to error log files. When authentication requests are processed through this perl module, the username and password information is stored in plaintext format within the vhost error log entries. This occurs because the module does not implement proper logging sanitization or encryption mechanisms for authentication credentials, nor does it follow standard security practices for handling sensitive data in log files. The vulnerability essentially creates a situation where any individual with access to the error log files can directly extract valid username and password combinations without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for compromised web servers. The plaintext storage of credentials in error logs means that even if an attacker cannot directly access the web application or database, they can still obtain valid authentication information simply by reading the error log files. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the log files are properly secured or the vulnerability is patched. The exposure is particularly severe because error logs are often less strictly controlled than other system files, and administrators may not regularly review or secure these files appropriately, leading to prolonged exposure windows.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging of credentials, and also relates to CWE-532, concerning the insertion of sensitive information into log files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through the exploitation of insecure logging practices. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level rather than requiring application-specific exploits, making it a low-effort, high-impact method for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including patching the vulnerable module, securing error log file permissions, and implementing proper log sanitization protocols to prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities.