CVE-2018-1000060 in Sensu Core
Summary
by MITRE
Sensu, Inc. Sensu Core version Before 1.2.0 & before commit 46ff10023e8cbf1b6978838f47c51b20b98fe30b contains a CWE-522 vulnerability in Sensu::Utilities.redact_sensitive() that can result in sensitive configuration data (e.g. passwords) may be logged in clear-text. This attack appear to be exploitable via victims with configuration matching a specific pattern will observe sensitive data outputted in their service log files. This vulnerability appears to have been fixed in 1.2.1 and later, after commit 46ff10023e8cbf1b6978838f47c51b20b98fe30b.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1000060 represents a critical weakness in Sensu Core authentication and logging mechanisms that directly impacts the confidentiality of sensitive operational data. This issue affects Sensu versions prior to 1.2.0 and specifically before the commit 46ff10023e8cbf1b6978838f47c51b20b98fe30b, creating a scenario where authentication credentials and other sensitive configuration parameters could be inadvertently exposed through clear-text logging practices. The vulnerability resides within the Sensu::Utilities.redact_sensitive() method which is designed to sanitize sensitive information but fails to properly implement redaction for certain data patterns, allowing attackers with access to log files to extract confidential authentication details.
The technical flaw manifests as a CWE-522 weakness, which specifically addresses insufficiently protected credentials and sensitive information exposure. This vulnerability operates under the principle that when configuration files contain sensitive data patterns matching specific criteria, the redaction function fails to mask these elements properly, resulting in plaintext credentials appearing in service log files. The attack vector requires minimal privilege levels since it relies on existing access to log file systems rather than complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's exploitable nature becomes apparent when system administrators or attackers with appropriate permissions examine log output and encounter clear-text passwords, API keys, or other authentication tokens that should have been redacted. This represents a fundamental failure in information security controls where the expectation of data sanitization is not met, creating an information disclosure risk that can compromise entire system infrastructures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for monitoring and operations environments. When sensitive configuration data appears in clear-text logs, it creates opportunities for unauthorized access to critical system components, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. The vulnerability affects not only individual authentication tokens but also broader configuration parameters that may include database credentials, API endpoints, and other operational secrets that could facilitate further exploitation. Organizations relying on Sensu Core for infrastructure monitoring face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, as log file access often requires minimal privileges and can be performed by various system users or processes. The exposure of authentication data through logging mechanisms can lead to cascading security failures where initial credential compromise results in broader system infiltration and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the patched version 1.2.1 or subsequent releases that contain the fixed commit 46ff10023e8cbf1b6978838f47c51b20b98fe30b. System administrators should conduct comprehensive log file audits to identify and remove any existing sensitive data that may have been exposed through previous logging operations. The remediation process involves verifying that all affected systems have been upgraded to versions containing the proper redaction implementation and implementing additional monitoring to detect potential future exposures. Organizations should also establish logging policies that prevent sensitive data from being written to log files in the first place, implementing comprehensive data sanitization procedures before any logging occurs. Security teams should consider implementing log file access controls and regular security assessments to ensure that logging mechanisms properly protect sensitive information, aligning with industry standards such as those recommended in the ATT&CK framework for credential access and defense evasion techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper information sanitization in security tooling and the necessity of robust logging practices that prevent accidental exposure of sensitive operational data.