CVE-2016-6658 in cf-release
Summary
by MITRE
Applications in cf-release before 245 can be configured and pushed with a user-provided custom buildpack using a URL pointing to the buildpack. Although it is not recommended, a user can specify a credential in the URL (basic auth or OAuth) to access the buildpack through the CLI. For example, the user could include a GitHub username and password in the URL to access a private repo. Because the URL to access the buildpack is stored unencrypted, an operator with privileged access to the Cloud Controller database could view these credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
This vulnerability exists in the Cloud Foundry cf-release platform version 245 and earlier, where the system allows users to configure and deploy applications using custom buildpacks sourced from external URLs. The flaw stems from the platform's handling of authentication credentials embedded within these URLs, which are stored in plaintext within the Cloud Controller database without any form of encryption or obfuscation. When users specify buildpack URLs containing basic authentication credentials such as GitHub usernames and passwords, these sensitive elements become permanently stored in the database in an unencrypted format, creating a significant security risk for organizations using this platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in credential handling and data protection within the Cloud Foundry architecture. The system's design permits users to include authentication information directly within the buildpack URL structure, which then gets persisted in the Cloud Controller's database storage layer. This design choice violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and access control, as the database contains unencrypted sensitive information that can be accessed by any operator with sufficient privileges to query the database. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a direct violation of data protection standards that require sensitive information to be encrypted both at rest and in transit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges to access private repositories and potentially compromise the entire application deployment pipeline. An attacker with database access could extract these unencrypted credentials and use them to access private buildpack repositories, potentially gaining access to source code, deployment configurations, and other sensitive materials. This vulnerability undermines the security model of Cloud Foundry applications by creating a persistent attack vector through which unauthorized parties can obtain authentication tokens that may grant access to private repositories, source code, and other sensitive resources. The risk is particularly severe for organizations that store private buildpacks containing proprietary code or sensitive deployment configurations within their Cloud Foundry environments.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability, beginning with immediate database encryption of stored credentials and implementation of access controls to limit database privileges to authorized personnel only. The recommended approach includes upgrading to cf-release version 245 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential handling mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement database auditing and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, establish strict access controls for database operators, and implement credential rotation procedures for buildpack URLs containing authentication information. Security measures should also include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar credential storage issues within the platform. The mitigation strategy should align with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and follow NIST SP 800-53 security controls for data at rest protection, ensuring that sensitive information is properly encrypted and access is strictly controlled to prevent unauthorized disclosure of authentication credentials.