CVE-2012-0813 in Wicd
Summary
by MITRE
Wicd before 1.7.1 saves sensitive information in log files in /var/log/wicd, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain passwords and other sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0813 affects wicd versions prior to 1.7.1, exposing a critical security flaw in how the wireless network management tool handles sensitive data logging. This issue represents a classic example of insecure logging practices that can lead to information disclosure, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless network credentials are managed through this tool. The vulnerability specifically resides in the application's logging mechanism within the /var/log/wicd directory structure, where sensitive network authentication data is inadvertently persisted in plain text format.
The technical flaw stems from wicd's improper handling of sensitive information during network connection processes, where passwords and other authentication credentials are written to log files without adequate sanitization or encryption. This behavior violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through log files, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-312, concerning sensitive data exposure. The flaw operates at the application level where the software fails to implement proper data sanitization before writing to persistent storage, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries with access to the system's file system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on wicd for wireless network management, particularly in enterprise environments where wireless credentials are frequently managed and logged. The exposure of passwords and authentication information through log files enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks, potentially leading to lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and broader compromise of network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and use of passwords, and represents a critical weakness in the principle of least privilege as defined by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-0813 requires immediate implementation of version 1.7.1 or later, which addresses the insecure logging behavior through proper credential sanitization and encryption mechanisms. System administrators should also implement log file access controls using chmod and chown commands to restrict access to the /var/log/wicd directory, ensuring only authorized processes can read sensitive information. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing centralized log management solutions with proper log rotation and retention policies to minimize the window of opportunity for credential exposure. Network segmentation and multi-factor authentication implementation can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to reduce the impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten Project, specifically addressing the risk of insecure logging and information disclosure vulnerabilities.