CVE-2022-0430 in HTTPie
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2022
Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in GitHub repository httpie/httpie prior to 3.1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0430 represents a critical exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors within the httpie command-line HTTP client tool. This issue affects versions prior to 3.1.0 of the httpie repository hosted on GitHub, where the application fails to properly handle authentication credentials and sensitive data during HTTP requests. The flaw manifests when users attempt to make requests that include sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, or tokens in various request parameters or headers, which are then inadvertently exposed through logging mechanisms or output streams. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output filtering within the tool's processing pipeline, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors who can intercept and analyze command-line outputs or log files containing this sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the httpie application's handling of authentication mechanisms and request parameters during HTTP communication. When users execute commands with sensitive credentials, the tool processes these inputs through multiple stages including argument parsing, header construction, and request transmission. The flaw occurs specifically in the output generation and logging components where sensitive information is not properly redacted or filtered before being displayed to users or written to log files. This behavior aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and represents a classic case of insufficient output filtering and input validation. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including command-line interface manipulation, log file analysis, and network traffic interception where the httpie tool's verbose output capabilities inadvertently reveal authentication tokens and other confidential data.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0430 extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on httpie for API testing and automation tasks. System administrators and developers who utilize httpie for routine operations may unknowingly expose sensitive credentials in command-line history, terminal sessions, or automated scripts that generate logs containing the tool's output. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where httpie is used for API testing, CI/CD pipelines, or automated security testing where the tool's verbose output capabilities are enabled by default. The exposure can lead to unauthorized access to cloud services, database systems, or web applications that rely on the credentials passed through httpie commands. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to production systems, extract confidential data, or escalate privileges within affected environments, making this a significant concern for security-conscious organizations. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" and represents a pathway for adversaries to obtain sensitive information through insecure handling of authentication tokens and credentials.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0430 involve immediate upgrading to httpie version 3.1.0 or later, which includes patches addressing the sensitive information exposure issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output filtering mechanisms within their httpie usage policies, ensuring that sensitive data is properly redacted before being processed or displayed. Security teams should conduct regular audits of command-line history files, log systems, and automated scripts to identify and remediate any instances where sensitive information may have been inadvertently exposed through httpie usage. Additional protective measures include implementing proper environment variable management, utilizing credential management tools, and establishing secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being passed through command-line arguments or output streams. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on potential credential exposure in real-time, particularly in environments where httpie is extensively used for system administration and security testing activities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper credential handling and the potential consequences of insecure information processing in command-line tools used for system administration and security operations.