CVE-2013-4293 in JBoss Operations Network
Summary
by MITRE
The server in Red Hat JBoss Operations Network (JON) 3.1.2 logs passwords in plaintext, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4293 affects Red Hat JBoss Operations Network version 3.1.2, a comprehensive monitoring and management platform for enterprise applications. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the system's logging mechanisms that directly compromises the confidentiality of authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from the server component's improper handling of sensitive information during the logging process, specifically storing password credentials in plaintext format within log files. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with local system access. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output handling practices that fail to implement proper credential sanitization before logging operations occur.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the server component's logging subsystem where authentication credentials are written directly to log files without any form of encryption or obfuscation. When users authenticate to the JBoss Operations Network, their passwords are processed through the system and subsequently logged in clear text format, making them immediately accessible to any local user or process with read permissions on the log directories. This design flaw aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging practices. The vulnerability can be exploited through local file system access, where an attacker with minimal privileges can simply navigate to the log file locations and extract the plaintext passwords. The logging mechanism appears to lack any form of credential filtering or sanitization, treating all input data uniformly without distinction between sensitive and non-sensitive information. This behavior creates a persistent security risk that remains active throughout the system's operational lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of the entire JBoss Operations Network environment. Local users with access to the system can immediately extract authentication credentials for various administrative accounts, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks and unauthorized access to critical enterprise resources. The vulnerability affects the system's integrity and confidentiality properties, as it creates a persistent backdoor for unauthorized access through the compromised log files. Attackers can leverage this information to gain deeper access to the network infrastructure, potentially escalating their privileges and moving laterally within the enterprise environment. This flaw particularly impacts organizations that rely on JBoss Operations Network for critical infrastructure monitoring, as it provides an easy path for attackers to compromise the entire monitoring ecosystem. The vulnerability also affects the system's compliance with security standards such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, as it creates audit trail weaknesses that can be exploited to undermine security controls.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2013-4293 requires immediate implementation of proper credential sanitization within the logging subsystem. Organizations should ensure that all password and authentication data are either filtered out of log files or properly encrypted before storage, implementing the principle of least privilege for log file access. The solution involves modifying the server's logging configuration to either exclude sensitive fields from log output or apply cryptographic protection to password data before it reaches the logging subsystem. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which addresses the use of log data for credential access. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitoring for log file directories to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Regular security assessments should verify that logging mechanisms properly handle sensitive data and that no plaintext credentials are stored in accessible locations. The fix should be implemented in accordance with industry best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Logging Cheat Sheet, which provides specific guidance on secure logging practices and credential handling within application environments. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper data retention policies and access controls to further mitigate the risk of credential exposure through log file analysis.