CVE-2021-44862 in Netskope
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2022
Netskope client is impacted by a vulnerability where an authenticated, local attacker can view sensitive information stored in NSClient logs which should be restricted. The vulnerability exists because the sensitive information is not masked/scrubbed before writing in the logs. A malicious user can use the sensitive information to download data and impersonate another user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-44862 affects the Netskope client software, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of sensitive data handling within the system. This issue stems from inadequate log sanitization practices where sensitive information flows through the logging mechanism without proper masking or scrubbing procedures. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated local attackers who possess legitimate access to the client system, making it particularly concerning as it exploits the trust relationship between the user and the software. According to CWE-532, this represents a specific weakness in information exposure through log files, where sensitive data is inadvertently written to logs in an unmasked format.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an authenticated local attacker to access NSClient logs that contain sensitive information which should remain protected. This exposure occurs at the logging layer where the system fails to implement proper data sanitization before storing information in log files. The vulnerability enables attackers to extract sensitive data through the logs, which could include authentication tokens, session identifiers, user credentials, or other confidential information that should be restricted. This flaw directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the system, as it provides unauthorized access to information that should remain protected from local users with legitimate access.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44862 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted sensitive data can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the network. Attackers can use the information obtained from the logs to download additional data, establish unauthorized access to other systems, or impersonate legitimate users within the Netskope environment. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1074.001 sub-technique for data staging, where adversaries collect data from local system logs to support their operations. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 for credential access and T1531 for account access removal.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive log sanitization protocols that ensure sensitive information never enters the logging system in an unmasked format. Organizations should deploy proper data masking techniques and implement automated log scrubbing processes that identify and remove sensitive patterns before any data is written to logs. The recommended approach includes configuring the Netskope client to apply strict filtering mechanisms that recognize and redact authentication tokens, passwords, session identifiers, and other confidential information from log entries. Additionally, system administrators should implement regular log review procedures to identify potential exposures and establish access controls that limit who can view the logs containing sensitive information. Security teams should also consider implementing centralized log management solutions that provide additional layers of protection and monitoring for sensitive data exposure.