CVE-2018-1876 in Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere 11 could under certain cases, display the password in a Control Room log file after installation. IBM X-Force ID: 151707.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2023
This vulnerability in IBM Robotic Process Automation with Automation Anywhere version 11 represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through log file exposure. The issue occurs during the installation process when password information becomes inadvertently written to control room log files, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of automated business processes that rely on secure credential management.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the installation framework of the automation platform. When the system processes installation parameters, it fails to sanitize or mask password values before writing them to log files, resulting in plaintext credential exposure. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that adversaries can leverage to gain unauthorized access to automated processes and associated systems. The vulnerability operates at the application level and affects the system's logging mechanisms, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where automation processes handle sensitive data and critical business functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for enterprise automation infrastructures. Organizations utilizing this automation platform face potential unauthorized access to their robotic processes, which could lead to data breaches, process manipulation, and disruption of business operations. Attackers who gain access to these log files can exploit the exposed credentials to escalate privileges, access restricted systems, and potentially move laterally within the network environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on automated workflows and process automation for critical business functions, making it a significant concern for enterprise security posture.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate log file sanitization and access controls to prevent credential exposure. Organizations must implement proper log management practices including regular log file monitoring, access restriction to sensitive log files, and credential sanitization procedures during installation processes. System administrators should establish automated log analysis tools to detect and alert on potential credential exposure patterns. Additionally, the implementation of principle of least privilege access controls for log file access and regular security audits of automation environments can help reduce the risk of exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses improper handling of exceptions, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access tactics category. Organizations should prioritize patching the affected systems and implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect any potential exploitation attempts.