CVE-2019-11492 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE
ProjectSend before r1070 writes user passwords to the server logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11492 affects ProjectSend versions prior to r1070, representing a critical logging security flaw that exposes user authentication credentials. This issue manifests when the system writes user passwords to server log files, creating an unintended exposure of sensitive authentication data. The flaw occurs during the authentication process where password values are inadvertently captured and stored in plain text within the server's logging infrastructure, potentially compromising user account security and system integrity.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through logging mechanisms, and falls under the broader category of improper error handling and logging practices. The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output filtering within the authentication routines, where password parameters are passed directly to logging functions without proper obfuscation or removal. The system fails to distinguish between legitimate operational information and sensitive user credentials during log generation, resulting in a direct violation of security best practices for credential handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential compromise, as it creates persistent exposure windows where attacker-controlled access to server logs can reveal user passwords. This exposure enables unauthorized parties to gain access to multiple user accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise through lateral movement and privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments where multiple users share the same system infrastructure, as password exposure for one user can affect the security posture of the entire platform. Additionally, the persistent nature of log files means that compromised credentials remain accessible for extended periods, even after the initial authentication attempt.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-11492 require immediate implementation of log sanitization procedures and comprehensive code review of authentication processes. Organizations should implement log filtering mechanisms that automatically remove or obfuscate password values before writing to log files, ensuring that sensitive information is never persisted in plain text. The recommended approach involves modifying the logging framework to strip or mask password parameters during authentication events, while also implementing proper access controls for log files to limit who can view sensitive operational data. System administrators should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with enhanced filtering capabilities and regular log audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004, which covers the use of log data for credential access, highlighting the importance of proper log management and access controls as part of comprehensive security defense strategies.