CVE-2020-8356 in LXCO
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2021
An internal product security audit of LXCO, prior to version 1.2.2, discovered that optional passwords, if specified, for the Syslog and SMTP forwarders are written to an internal LXCO log file in clear text. Affected logs are captured in the First Failure Data Capture (FFDC) service log. The FFDC service log is only generated when requested by a privileged LXCO user and it is only accessible to the privileged LXCO user that requested the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8356 represents a critical security flaw in LXCO software versions prior to 1.2.2 where sensitive authentication credentials are improperly handled during system logging operations. This issue manifests when optional passwords for Syslog and SMTP forwarders are stored in clear text format within internal LXCO log files, creating an inherent risk that persists beyond the normal operational lifecycle of the system. The flaw specifically impacts the First Failure Data Capture (FFDC) service which aggregates diagnostic information from system failures and is designed to capture comprehensive logging data for troubleshooting purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate credential handling practices within the logging subsystem of LXCO software. When administrators configure Syslog and SMTP forwarders with optional password parameters, the system fails to encrypt or obfuscate these credentials before writing them to the FFDC service log files. This clear text storage represents a direct violation of security best practices and creates an exploitable condition where unauthorized parties with access to the FFDC logs can immediately extract and utilize these authentication credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which specifically addresses the insecure handling of sensitive data within application code and system logs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems relying on LXCO software for network monitoring and logging operations. Privileged users who request FFDC service logs become inadvertently compromised when these logs contain clear text passwords, creating a potential attack vector for lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently in the background, with the FFDC logs only being generated upon explicit request by privileged users, meaning that credential exposure may occur without immediate detection. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and represents a significant risk for environments where multiple privileged users have access to system diagnostic functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8356 require immediate implementation of software updates to version 1.2.2 or later, which presumably addresses the clear text storage issue through proper credential encryption or removal from log files. Organizations should also implement strict access controls for FFDC log generation and retrieval, ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate troubleshooting needs can request these diagnostic files. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized FFDC log requests, implementing automated log analysis to detect clear text credential exposure, and establishing regular security audits of system logging configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential handling practices and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of logging subsystems to prevent similar issues in other network monitoring and management platforms.