CVE-2019-9724 in Aquarius CMS
Summary
by MITRE
aquaverde Aquarius CMS through 4.3.5 allows Information Exposure through Log Files because of an error in the Log-File writer component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The aquaverde Aquarius CMS version 4.3.5 contains a critical information exposure vulnerability that stems from improper handling of log file generation within its Log-File writer component. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive system information that should remain protected from public view. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the CMS up to and including 4.3.5, indicating a widespread issue that likely impacts numerous installations across various deployment environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the log file writer module which fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to log data containing potentially sensitive information. When the CMS generates log entries, the system does not adequately protect these files from unauthorized retrieval or viewing by external parties. This misconfiguration allows attackers to access log files directly through web requests, bypassing normal access controls that should prevent such exposure. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for information disclosure where system logs containing user credentials, session data, or other sensitive operational details become publicly accessible.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations deploying aquaverde Aquarius CMS systems. The exposure of log files can lead to compromise of user authentication data, session tokens, and potentially system configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can use the exposed data to conduct credential stuffing attacks, perform session hijacking, or gain insights into system architecture and operational patterns. This vulnerability directly violates security principles of least privilege and data protection, creating an attack surface that should not exist in properly configured systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including restricting web access to log directories, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that log files are not served through the web server. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and could be exploited through techniques categorized under ATT&CK matrix tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and TA0006 (Credential Access). System administrators should also consider implementing log rotation policies, ensuring log files are properly secured with appropriate permissions, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to log directories. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, as the flaw exists in the core logging functionality rather than in specific application modules, making it a systemic security weakness that requires comprehensive remediation across all affected installations.