CVE-2019-1010308 in Aquarius CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Aquaverde GmbH Aquarius CMS prior to version 4.1.1 is affected by: Incorrect Access Control. The impact is: The access to the log file is not restricted. It contains sensitive information like passwords etc. The component is: log file. The attack vector is: open the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1010308 affects Aquaverde GmbH Aquarius CMS versions prior to 4.1.1, representing a critical access control flaw that compromises system security through improper file permissions. This issue manifests as an incorrect access control condition where log files are not properly restricted, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability resides within the logging component of the CMS system and specifically impacts the confidentiality of sensitive data stored within these files.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms implemented within the Aquarius CMS architecture, where log files are accessible without proper authentication or authorization checks. This misconfiguration allows any user with access to the web server to directly open and read the log files through simple file access methods. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise as it only necessitates the ability to access the web server and open the log file directly, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is publicly accessible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as log files typically contain sensitive credentials, session information, and other confidential data that could be exploited by malicious actors. The presence of passwords and authentication-related information within these logs creates a significant risk for credential theft and unauthorized system access. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of sensitive data exposure. The risk is compounded by the fact that log files often contain detailed system information including user activities, system errors, and potentially database connection strings that could provide attackers with additional attack surface information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK technique T1567.002 which focuses on credentials from password databases, as attackers can directly access stored credentials within the log files. This flaw represents a critical security gap that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly obtain sensitive information. Organizations using affected versions of Aquarius CMS face significant risk of credential compromise, system infiltration, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in production environments where log files are maintained for extended periods and contain comprehensive audit trails of system activities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file access controls and restricting direct file system access to log files. System administrators should immediately upgrade to Aquarius CMS version 4.1.1 or later, which addresses this access control flaw through proper file permission settings. Additional measures include configuring web server access controls to prevent direct access to log file directories, implementing proper logging configurations that do not store sensitive information in plain text, and establishing regular monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing and updating access control policies to ensure that sensitive files are properly protected through appropriate file system permissions and web server configurations that align with security best practices and compliance requirements.