CVE-2012-5658 in OpenShift Origin
Summary
by MITRE
rhc-chk.rb in Red Hat OpenShift Origin before 1.1, when -d (debug mode) is used, outputs the password and other sensitive information in cleartext, which allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information, as demonstrated by including log files or Bugzilla reports in support channels.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5658 affects Red Hat OpenShift Origin versions prior to 1.1, specifically within the rhc-chk.rb utility. This flaw manifests when the utility is executed with the debug mode flag (-d), creating a critical security exposure through improper handling of sensitive data. The vulnerability represents a classic case of information disclosure where system credentials and confidential details are inadvertently written to output streams in plain text format, making them accessible to unauthorized parties who may gain access to these artifacts through various support channels.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the rhc-chk.rb script. When debug mode is enabled, the script fails to properly redact or encrypt sensitive information such as passwords, authentication tokens, and other confidential system details. This occurs because the debugging functionality was designed without considering the security implications of exposing such data in log files or console output. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor security practices in handling sensitive data within development and operational tools. According to CWE-200, this vulnerability maps directly to information exposure through debug output, where the system inadvertently reveals confidential information that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a significant attack surface for context-dependent adversaries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by gaining access to support channels, log files, or Bugzilla reports where the debug output might be inadvertently shared. This exposure allows malicious actors to obtain authentication credentials, system passwords, and other sensitive configuration details that could enable further compromise of the OpenShift environment. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on support channels or collaborative platforms for issue tracking and troubleshooting, as these environments often contain unfiltered debug output that could be accessed by unauthorized parties. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves the disclosure of credentials through debug output, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple teams share support infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5658 require immediate implementation of several security controls to prevent sensitive information disclosure. Organizations should upgrade to Red Hat OpenShift Origin version 1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. System administrators must disable debug mode in production environments and ensure that sensitive information is never logged in plain text format. Additional protective measures include implementing proper output filtering mechanisms, establishing secure logging practices, and conducting regular security audits of development and support tools. The remediation process should also involve configuring access controls to limit who can view debug output and implementing automated scanning tools to detect and prevent sensitive data exposure in log files and support communications. Organizations should also consider implementing data loss prevention controls and regular security training to ensure that developers and support staff understand the importance of protecting sensitive information in all system outputs.