CVE-2018-1191 in Garden-runC
Summary
by MITRE
Cloud Foundry Garden-runC, versions prior to 1.11.0, contains an information exposure vulnerability. A user with access to Garden logs may be able to obtain leaked credentials and perform authenticated actions using those credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1191 affects Cloud Foundry Garden-runC versions prior to 1.11.0 and represents a critical information exposure flaw that undermines the security posture of containerized applications. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the logging mechanisms of the Garden container runtime, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure that can be exploited by malicious actors with access to system logs. The flaw specifically allows an authenticated user who can read Garden logs to extract credentials that were previously used within the container environment, potentially enabling privilege escalation and unauthorized access to additional system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the logging subsystem failing to adequately sanitize or redact sensitive information from container runtime operations. When Garden-runC executes containerized applications, it may log command-line arguments, environment variables, or other runtime parameters that contain authentication tokens, API keys, or other credential material. The absence of proper log sanitization means that these credentials can be inadvertently exposed in the log files, creating a persistent security risk that extends beyond the immediate container boundaries. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, Information Exposure Through Logging, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sensitive data in logging systems. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the principle of least privilege and data protection within container orchestration environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1191 extends far beyond simple credential leakage, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for extended unauthorized access. An attacker who gains access to Garden logs can extract authentication tokens and use them to perform authenticated actions within the Cloud Foundry environment, potentially escalating privileges and accessing additional resources. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, Valid Accounts, as it enables adversaries to use compromised credentials to gain access to additional systems. The exposure of credentials in log files also enables lateral movement within the containerized environment, allowing attackers to traverse between different applications and services running on the same platform. Organizations using affected versions of Garden-runC face significant risk of unauthorized access to their containerized applications and underlying infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1191 primarily focus on upgrading to Garden-runC version 1.11.0 or later, which includes proper log sanitization and credential handling mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive log management practices that include automatic credential detection and redaction, ensuring that sensitive information is not persisted in system logs. The implementation of centralized logging solutions with proper filtering capabilities can help prevent credential leakage while maintaining operational visibility. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls on log files, limiting read access to authorized personnel only, and implement regular log audits to detect potential credential exposure. Network segmentation and container runtime monitoring should be deployed to detect anomalous credential usage patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing automated credential rotation and just-in-time access provisioning to minimize the impact of any potential credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure logging practices within containerized environments and demonstrates how seemingly benign logging operations can create significant security risks when proper data sanitization is not implemented.