CVE-2019-9734 in Aquarius CMS
Summary
by MITRE
aquaverde Aquarius CMS through 4.3.5 writes POST and GET parameters (including passwords) to a log file because of incorrect if/else usage in the Log-File writer component.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The aquaverde Aquarius CMS version 4.3.5 contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from improper handling of HTTP request parameters within its logging mechanism. This flaw allows sensitive information including passwords and other confidential data to be inadvertently written to log files due to a fundamental error in conditional logic implementation. The vulnerability specifically affects the Log-File writer component where developers employed incorrect if/else statement usage, creating a path where all incoming POST and GET parameters are processed and stored regardless of their sensitivity or intended purpose.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure logging practices that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-117, which addresses improper output sanitization in log messages. The flaw enables information exposure through log file contents, making it particularly dangerous as these logs often contain unfiltered user input data. Attackers who gain access to system logs can extract sensitive credentials and personal information, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and data breaches. The vulnerability exists because the logging component fails to properly distinguish between legitimate operational data and potentially harmful or sensitive user inputs, creating an information disclosure risk that directly impacts the confidentiality of system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited over time. System administrators and security personnel who rely on log analysis for monitoring and forensic purposes may unknowingly compromise sensitive data through their own routine log file access. The vulnerability affects all versions of Aquarius CMS up to and including 4.3.5, indicating a widespread issue that likely impacts numerous installations across different environments. The flaw operates at the application level and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by both internal and external attackers who have access to the system's logging infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code remediation to correct the conditional logic in the Log-File writer component. Organizations should implement parameter filtering mechanisms that sanitize or exclude sensitive data from log outputs, particularly focusing on authentication tokens, passwords, and personal identification information. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1562.006 technique for "Impair Defenses: Obfuscation" and T1562.001 for "Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools", as proper logging practices directly impact the system's ability to maintain operational security. Regular log file monitoring and access controls should be implemented to limit who can view sensitive information, while automated log scanning tools should be deployed to identify potential exposure of credentials in log files. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar issues in other components of the application stack, ensuring that all data handling processes follow secure coding practices that prevent information leakage through unintended output channels.