CVE-2016-6653 in Cloud Foundry
Summary
by MITRE
The MariaDB audit_plugin component in Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF) cf-mysql-release 27 and 28 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading syslog messages, as demonstrated by cleartext credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6653 affects the MariaDB audit_plugin component within Pivotal Cloud Foundry's cf-mysql-release versions 27 and 28. This represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system data through unauthorized reading of syslog messages. The issue stems from inadequate logging practices where cleartext credentials are exposed in system logs, creating a significant security risk for cloud environments that rely on PCF for database services. The vulnerability specifically impacts the audit_plugin functionality that is designed to monitor and log database activities, but fails to properly sanitize sensitive information during the logging process.
The technical flaw manifests when the MariaDB audit_plugin component generates syslog entries containing database connection details, including username and password credentials in plaintext format. This occurs because the logging mechanism does not implement proper data sanitization or encryption protocols before writing sensitive information to system logs. Attackers can exploit this weakness by accessing syslog files through various means such as direct system access, log file enumeration, or by leveraging other vulnerabilities that provide access to the logging infrastructure. The flaw directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper logging practices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.002 for indicator removal through log manipulation. The vulnerability exists due to the absence of proper input validation and output sanitization within the audit_plugin's logging subsystem, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6653 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for cloud environments running PCF with affected mysql-release versions. Organizations utilizing Pivotal Cloud Foundry for database services face potential unauthorized access to their database systems, as attackers can obtain cleartext credentials to perform malicious database operations, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the logging infrastructure itself, as compromised log files may contain additional sensitive information beyond just database credentials. This issue particularly impacts multi-tenant cloud environments where multiple applications share the same infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally between different application databases. The exposure of cleartext credentials in syslog messages creates a persistent security risk that can remain undetected for extended periods, as log files are often retained for compliance and troubleshooting purposes, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in regulated environments where audit trails are required.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6653 should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected cf-mysql-release versions to 29 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for proper credential sanitization in audit logs. Organizations must implement comprehensive log management practices including log file access controls, regular log rotation with secure deletion, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to log files. The solution involves configuring the MariaDB audit_plugin to either disable credential logging entirely or to encrypt sensitive information before writing to syslog, as recommended by security standards such as NIST SP 800-92 for log management. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to logging infrastructure, deploying log integrity monitoring tools, and establishing regular security audits of log files. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions to reduce the attack surface and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive log information. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that the patched version properly handles credential information without disrupting legitimate audit functionality while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and security frameworks such as ISO 27001 and PCI DSS standards.