CVE-2019-7628 in Pagure
Summary
by MITRE
Pagure 5.2 leaks API keys by e-mailing them to users. Few e-mail servers validate TLS certificates, so it is easy for man-in-the-middle attackers to read these e-mails and gain access to Pagure on behalf of other users. This issue is found in the API token expiration reminder cron job in files/api_key_expire_mail.py; disabling that job is also a viable solution. (E-mailing a substring of the API key was an attempted, but rejected, solution.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-7628 represents a critical security flaw in the Pagure project management platform version 5.2 where API keys are transmitted via email to users without proper encryption or authentication mechanisms. This design decision creates a significant exposure point that directly violates fundamental security principles of credential handling and secure communication practices. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of an API token expiration reminder cron job located in the files/api_key_expire_mail.py component, which automatically sends API keys to users through email notifications when tokens are about to expire.
The technical flaw manifests as a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management. When API keys are emailed to users, they become vulnerable to interception during transmission through unencrypted email channels. This particular weakness is exacerbated by the widespread lack of proper TLS certificate validation among email servers, creating an environment where man-in-the-middle attackers can easily capture these communications. The vulnerability specifically targets the cryptographic security controls that should protect sensitive information during transit, making it susceptible to passive network monitoring and active interception attacks. The issue demonstrates a failure in implementing proper security controls as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly concerning the secure handling of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential unauthorized access to entire project repositories and associated resources. When attackers intercept these emailed API keys, they gain the ability to impersonate legitimate users and perform actions within the Pagure system with the privileges associated with those accounts. This includes accessing private repositories, modifying code, creating new projects, and potentially escalating privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also the overall security posture of organizations relying on Pagure for their source code management and collaboration needs. The risk is compounded by the fact that API keys often provide broad access permissions, making each compromised key a potential gateway to significant system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically focusing on credential access through phishing and email-based attacks, and represents a clear violation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's protective measures.
The recommended mitigation strategies include disabling the problematic cron job that sends API keys via email, which serves as an immediate remediation step to prevent further exposure. However, this approach only addresses the symptom rather than the underlying architectural issue. A more comprehensive solution would involve implementing proper secure communication channels for API key distribution, such as encrypted email protocols, secure token delivery mechanisms, or implementing a more robust authentication system that doesn't rely on plaintext credential transmission. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following established security standards including CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials, and CWE-310, which deals with cryptographic issues in security implementations. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, token rotation mechanisms, and secure credential management practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their infrastructure.