CVE-2019-13509 in Community Edition
Summary
by MITRE
In Docker CE and EE before 18.09.8 (as well as Docker EE before 17.06.2-ee-23 and 18.x before 18.03.1-ee-10), Docker Engine in debug mode may sometimes add secrets to the debug log. This applies to a scenario where docker stack deploy is run to redeploy a stack that includes (non external) secrets. It potentially applies to other API users of the stack API if they resend the secret.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
This vulnerability exists in docker engine versions prior to 18.09.8 and affects both docker community edition and enterprise edition installations. The issue occurs specifically when docker engine operates in debug mode and processes stack deployments containing secrets. When docker stack deploy command is executed to redeploy a stack that includes non-external secrets, the engine may inadvertently include these secret values in debug log output. This represents a critical security flaw that violates fundamental principles of secret management and access control. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data during debug logging operations, where secret information is not adequately redacted or filtered before being written to log files. The issue extends beyond just stack deployments and could potentially affect other api users of the stack api who might resend secret information during operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-532, which describes information exposure through log files, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and secure logging practices. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization in the logging subsystem, where sensitive information flows through debug channels without proper security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it exposes sensitive data including passwords, tokens, and other confidential information that may be stored as docker secrets. Attackers who gain access to docker debug logs could extract these secrets and use them for unauthorized access to systems, applications, or services that depend on these credentials. The exposure occurs during normal operational procedures when administrators might enable debug mode for troubleshooting purposes, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during routine maintenance activities. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves accessing credentials stored in log files, and represents a significant risk to organizations that store sensitive information in docker secrets. The potential for credential exposure increases when debug logging is enabled in production environments or when administrators inadvertently leave debug mode active during normal operations, creating persistent exposure windows.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to docker engine versions 18.09.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as these releases include proper secret redaction in debug logging. Administrators should disable debug mode in production environments and implement strict access controls on log files to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The mitigation strategy should include configuring log rotation and retention policies that prevent long-term storage of debug logs containing sensitive data. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual log file access patterns and establish procedures for reviewing and sanitizing log content before sharing or archiving. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular audits of docker configurations to ensure debug mode is not enabled unnecessarily and that secret management practices follow established security guidelines. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive logging security controls and demonstrates how seemingly benign operational features can create significant security risks when not properly secured.