CVE-2011-1943 in libnm-util
Summary
by MITRE
The destroy_one_secret function in nm-setting-vpn.c in libnm-util in the NetworkManager package 0.8.999-3.git20110526 in Fedora 15 creates a log entry containing a certificate password, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1943 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the NetworkManager package's libnm-util library. This issue specifically affects Fedora 15 systems running NetworkManager version 0.8.999-3.git20110526 where the destroy_one_secret function in nm-setting-vpn.c improperly handles sensitive certificate credentials during the destruction of VPN settings. The flaw occurs when the system generates log entries containing certificate passwords, creating persistent exposure of confidential authentication data. This vulnerability directly violates security principles by introducing sensitive information into system logs without proper sanitization or encryption mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output handling within the NetworkManager's VPN setting management code. When the destroy_one_secret function processes VPN configuration data, it fails to strip or obfuscate certificate passwords before logging them to system log files. This design flaw creates a persistent security risk where local users with read access to log directories can directly extract authentication credentials from log entries. The function essentially treats sensitive certificate information as regular text data, bypassing proper credential handling protocols that should mask or encrypt such data during logging operations. This behavior aligns with CWE-532, which specifically addresses information exposure through log files, and demonstrates poor secure coding practices in handling sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass significant security risks for systems utilizing NetworkManager's VPN capabilities. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network credentials, potentially compromising multiple network connections and services that rely on certificate-based authentication. The vulnerability affects systems where users have local file system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation is not required for log file access. This flaw can enable attackers to establish persistent access to corporate networks, cloud services, and other protected resources that depend on VPN connectivity. The exposure of certificate passwords through log files creates a vector for credential reuse attacks and can facilitate broader network infiltration attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS and T1566 for credential access through network sniffing, as the compromised credentials can be used for further reconnaissance and lateral movement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1943 should focus on immediate patching of the NetworkManager package to ensure proper credential sanitization during log generation. System administrators must implement log file access controls to restrict read permissions for sensitive log directories, particularly those containing VPN configuration data. The recommended approach includes configuring log rotation policies with proper file permissions, implementing centralized logging solutions with proper credential filtering, and conducting regular security audits of log file contents. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated log monitoring systems that can detect and alert on the presence of sensitive information within log files. The fix should ensure that all sensitive data, including certificate passwords, are either completely omitted from log entries or properly masked using cryptographic techniques before logging operations. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential credential compromise scenarios that may arise from this vulnerability.