CVE-2019-4143 in Cloud Private
Summary
by MITRE
The IBM Cloud Private Key Management Service (IBM Cloud Private 3.1.1 and 3.1.2) could allow a local user to obtain sensitive from the KMS plugin container log. IBM X-Force ID: 158348.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4143 affects IBM Cloud Private Key Management Service versions 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, representing a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive information through improper logging practices within the KMS plugin container. This issue constitutes a significant weakness in the security architecture of IBM Cloud Private deployments, where local users can exploit the system to extract confidential data from container logs, potentially compromising the entire key management infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate logging controls within the KMS plugin container implementation, where sensitive cryptographic information is being written to log files without proper sanitization or access controls. This vulnerability allows local attackers with access to the container environment to read log files that contain confidential key material, cryptographic parameters, or other sensitive data used by the key management service. The flaw operates at the application level and specifically targets the logging mechanisms of the KMS plugin, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses traditional access control measures that should protect sensitive cryptographic operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on IBM Cloud Private for their key management needs. Attackers who gain local access to the KMS plugin container can extract cryptographic keys, certificates, and other sensitive materials that would otherwise remain protected, potentially enabling them to decrypt sensitive data, impersonate systems, or compromise the entire cryptographic infrastructure. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can lead to cascading security failures throughout the organization's cloud environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including enhanced logging controls, proper log file access restrictions, and regular security assessments of containerized environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through logging, and could be exploited as part of broader attack chains categorized under ATT&CK technique T1074.100, which involves data staging through log files. Remediation efforts must include comprehensive log sanitization procedures, access control reviews, and implementation of proper audit trails that prevent sensitive information from being written to accessible log files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper filtering mechanisms to ensure that cryptographic material never appears in plain text within container logs, thereby preventing similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of their cloud infrastructure.