CVE-2019-15294 in Command Centre
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Gallagher Command Centre 8.10 before 8.10.1092(MR2). Upon an upgrade, if a custom service account is in use and the visitor management service is installed, the Windows username and password for this service are logged in cleartext to the Command_centre.log file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2020
This vulnerability exists in Gallagher Command Centre version 8.10 prior to 8.10.1092(MR2) and represents a critical security flaw in the software's upgrade process. The issue specifically affects installations that utilize custom service accounts with the visitor management service component, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials during the upgrade procedure, where sensitive Windows username and password information are inadvertently written to log files in plain text format. This represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices and violates basic security principles regarding the protection of authentication information.
The technical implementation flaw occurs during the upgrade process when the system fails to properly sanitize or encrypt sensitive credential data before writing it to the Command_centre.log file. This cleartext logging behavior creates an immediate exposure point where any user with access to the log file can obtain valid Windows credentials, potentially enabling unauthorized system access and privilege escalation. The vulnerability is classified as a credential exposure issue that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the system's authentication infrastructure. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw represents a severe configuration management failure that can be categorized under CWE-546, which deals with the use of hard-coded credentials or insecure logging of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the system through legitimate service accounts. An attacker who gains access to the log file can leverage these credentials to perform unauthorized actions within the Gallagher Command Centre environment, potentially compromising physical security systems and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during routine system maintenance activities, making detection more difficult and increasing the window of opportunity for exploitation. This flaw can enable lateral movement within networks where the service account has elevated privileges, and may allow attackers to bypass security controls that depend on proper credential management. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that service accounts often possess broader permissions than standard user accounts, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through the installation of the 8.10.1092(MR2) update, which addresses the credential logging issue. Organizations should conduct immediate log file reviews to identify and remove any exposed credentials, followed by credential rotation for all affected service accounts. The implementation of proper log file access controls and monitoring is essential to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log files. Security teams should also consider implementing automated credential management solutions that prevent hardcoding of credentials and enforce secure handling practices. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and proper credential lifecycle management, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and audit logging. The incident underscores the critical need for secure coding practices and thorough security testing during software development, particularly in upgrade and configuration processes where sensitive information handling is paramount.