CVE-2019-3716 in RSA Archer
Summary
by MITRE
RSA Archer versions, prior to 6.5 SP2, contain an information exposure vulnerability. The database connection password may get logged in plain text in the RSA Archer log files. An authenticated malicious local user with access to the log files may obtain the exposed password to use it in further attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
The RSA Archer information exposure vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3716 represents a critical security flaw affecting versions prior to 6.5 SP2 where database connection credentials are inadvertently stored in plaintext within log files. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and logging practices within the application's security architecture, creating a persistent risk for unauthorized access to database resources. The flaw manifests when the system logs database connection parameters without proper obfuscation, leaving sensitive authentication information accessible to any user with read permissions on the log file system locations. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and demonstrates poor secure coding principles that allow sensitive data to be written to potentially accessible storage locations without proper encryption or masking mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's logging subsystem failing to properly sanitize database connection strings before writing them to audit trails and diagnostic logs. When the RSA Archer application establishes database connections, it typically includes connection parameters such as username and password within the logging context. These credentials are written to log files in their raw, unencrypted format, creating a gold mine of information for any attacker who gains local access to the system. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to distinguish between sensitive and non-sensitive data during logging operations, allowing authentication credentials to be inadvertently exposed through standard logging mechanisms that are typically used for operational diagnostics rather than security monitoring.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing RSA Archer platforms, as it enables lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks by malicious insiders or compromised local accounts. The exposure of database connection passwords through plaintext logging provides attackers with direct access to backend database systems, potentially enabling data exfiltration, modification of critical records, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a fundamental failure in data protection practices within the application's security architecture. The impact extends beyond immediate credential exposure as it allows for extended persistence within the environment, enabling attackers to maintain access to database resources and potentially escalate privileges through database-level attacks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and provides substantial rewards for attackers, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access controls are insufficient or where insider threats exist. Attackers can leverage this flaw through simple file system access to extract sensitive information from log files, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability also demonstrates weaknesses in the application's overall security posture and highlights the importance of proper input validation and data sanitization practices. Organizations should consider implementing automated log monitoring and alerting systems to detect potential credential exposure, while also ensuring that log files are properly secured and that access controls are maintained to prevent unauthorized read access to sensitive diagnostic information. The flaw represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing and code reviews to identify and remediate such information exposure vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to RSA Archer 6.5 SP2 or later versions where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential sanitization in logging operations. Organizations should also implement comprehensive log file access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have read access to sensitive log information. Additional measures include regular log file audits, implementation of centralized logging solutions with proper access controls, and deployment of security monitoring tools that can detect and alert on potential credential exposure events. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure logging practices and proper handling of sensitive information throughout application development lifecycle processes, aligning with security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and supporting ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through local system compromise.