CVE-2022-25374 in Terraform Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE • 02/25/2022
HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise before 202202-1 inserts Sensitive Information into a Log File.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2022
HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise versions prior to 202202-1 contain a critical logging vulnerability that exposes sensitive data in log files, representing a significant security risk for organizations relying on the platform for infrastructure automation. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information. The flaw occurs when the system fails to properly sanitize or redact sensitive parameters during log generation processes, allowing confidential data to be inadvertently written to log files that may be accessible to unauthorized users or systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within Terraform Enterprise's logging subsystem. When Terraform processes configuration files containing sensitive variables such as API keys, passwords, or cryptographic tokens, the system does not adequately filter these values before writing them to log entries. This creates a scenario where attackers with access to log files can extract credentials, secrets, and other confidential information directly from the logging infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Terraform Enterprise is designed for enterprise environments where sensitive infrastructure data is routinely processed, making the exposure of such information potentially catastrophic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it can lead to comprehensive system compromise when attackers leverage the stolen information to escalate privileges or move laterally within the infrastructure. Organizations using Terraform Enterprise may experience unauthorized access to cloud resources, data breaches, and potential compliance violations when sensitive information is logged and accessible to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of audit trails since log files containing sensitive data can no longer be trusted as secure records of system operations. This exposure can result in regulatory penalties under frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and soc 2 compliance requirements, where proper handling of sensitive data is mandatory.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Terraform Enterprise version 202202-1 or later, which contains proper input sanitization and logging controls. Organizations should also implement comprehensive log access controls, ensuring that log files are restricted to authorized personnel only and that regular log audits are conducted to identify any potential exposures. Additional defensive measures include implementing log file encryption, establishing automated monitoring for sensitive data patterns in logs, and configuring proper log rotation and retention policies. The remediation process should also include reviewing all existing log files for potential exposure and implementing proper key management practices to minimize the impact of any data that may have already been logged. Security teams should consider implementing the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques to understand how attackers might leverage this information and develop appropriate countermeasures against such attack vectors.