CVE-2017-15112 in keycloak-httpd-client-install
Summary
by MITRE
keycloak-httpd-client-install versions before 0.8 allow users to insecurely pass password through command line, leaking it via command history and process info to other local users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15112 affects keycloak-httpd-client-install versions prior to 0.8, presenting a critical security flaw in how authentication credentials are handled during client installation processes. This issue stems from the insecure practice of passing passwords through command line arguments, which creates persistent exposure of sensitive information within system logs and process listings. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices and directly violates established security principles for handling authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users execute installation commands that include password parameters as command line arguments. These arguments become visible in the process table through tools like ps and are typically logged in shell command histories, making them accessible to any local user with appropriate permissions. The password information remains exposed in memory and system artifacts long after the installation process completes, creating persistent attack vectors for local adversaries who may have access to the system. This vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-256, which addresses insecure password storage and handling, and demonstrates poor input validation and secure coding practices during authentication process implementation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for local privilege escalation and credential theft attacks. Any user with access to the system can potentially extract passwords from command line arguments through process enumeration tools, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different users share system resources. The exposure of passwords through command history and process information creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with minimal technical expertise, as demonstrated in various real-world attacks targeting system administrators and service accounts. This flaw essentially undermines the security of the entire installation process by creating unintended information disclosure channels.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrading to keycloak-httpd-client-install version 0.8 or later, which implements proper credential handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement process monitoring and auditing to detect and prevent insecure command line usage patterns. System administrators should configure shell history settings to prevent password storage in command histories and implement proper access controls to limit local user privileges. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all system installation processes to identify and remediate similar credential exposure issues. The mitigation strategy should also include implementing secure credential management practices such as using environment variables, configuration files with restricted permissions, or interactive credential prompts instead of command line arguments. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.