CVE-2018-19863 in 1Password
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in 1Password 7.2.3.BETA before 7.2.3.BETA-3 on macOS. A mistake in error logging resulted in instances where sensitive data passed from Safari to 1Password could be logged locally on the user's machine. This data could include usernames and passwords that a user manually entered into Safari.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
This vulnerability exists within the 1Password password manager application version 7.2.3.BETA on macOS systems, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the confidentiality of sensitive authentication data. The issue stems from improper error logging mechanisms that inadvertently capture and store sensitive information in local log files, creating an attack surface where credentials could be accessed by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically affects the interaction between Safari web browser and 1Password, where user-entered credentials are transmitted between these applications. When users manually input usernames and passwords into Safari forms, this data flows through the 1Password integration and gets logged inappropriately within the application's logging infrastructure.
The technical implementation flaw involves a failure in input sanitization and logging controls within the 1Password application's error handling subsystem. This represents a classic case of insufficient logging security where sensitive data elements are not properly redacted or filtered before being written to persistent storage. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper data handling protocols that should separate sensitive user information from diagnostic logging processes. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue directly violates the principle of least privilege and data minimization, as the application unnecessarily captures and persists authentication credentials in plain text within local log files. The flaw allows for information disclosure through local file system access, potentially enabling attackers with system-level privileges to retrieve stored credentials from these log files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it creates persistent exposure of user authentication data that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to the compromised system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts across multiple websites where the same credentials are reused. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the password manager's security model by creating an unintended data leakage channel that bypasses normal encryption and access controls. This represents a privilege escalation vector where local system access can be leveraged to obtain sensitive authentication information that should remain protected within the application's secure processing environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-532 (Information Exposure Through Log Files) classifications, indicating improper handling of sensitive data within application logging mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1074 (Data Staged) and T1005 (Data from Local System) techniques, as it enables adversaries to stage and exfiltrate sensitive data through local file system access. The security implications extend beyond immediate credential exposure, as compromised authentication data could enable broader lateral movement within networks and persistence mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including updating to 1Password version 7.2.3.BETA-3 or later, reviewing system access controls, and implementing monitoring for unauthorized file access to log directories.
Mitigation strategies should include comprehensive system hardening measures such as restricting write access to application log directories, implementing file system monitoring for unauthorized log file modifications, and conducting regular security audits of logging configurations. Application developers should implement proper data sanitization protocols that prevent sensitive information from entering logging systems, including input validation and data masking techniques. Security teams should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential credential exposure through logging mechanisms and implement continuous monitoring for suspicious file system activity. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security testing of logging mechanisms and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive data protection controls throughout the application lifecycle. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of logging practices to ensure sensitive data handling aligns with security best practices and regulatory compliance requirements.