CVE-2022-31044 in Rundeck
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
Rundeck is an open source automation service with a web console, command line tools and a WebAPI. The Key Storage converter plugin mechanism was not enabled correctly in Rundeck 4.2.0 and 4.2.1, resulting in use of the encryption layer for Key Storage possibly not working. Any credentials created or overwritten using Rundeck 4.2.0 or 4.2.1 might result in them being written in plaintext to the backend storage. This affects those using any `Storage Converter` plugin. Rundeck 4.3.1 and 4.2.2 have fixed the code and upon upgrade will re-encrypt any plain text values. Version 4.3.0 does not have the vulnerability, but does not include the patch to re-encrypt plain text values if 4.2.0 or 4.2.1 were used. To prevent plaintext credentials from being stored in Rundeck 4.2.0/4.2.1, write access to key storage can be disabled via ACLs. After upgrading to 4.3.1 or later, write access can be restored.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-31044 affects Rundeck version 4.2.0 and 4.2.1 where the Key Storage converter plugin mechanism was improperly configured, leading to potential exposure of sensitive credentials stored within the system. This issue represents a critical failure in the encryption layer implementation that directly impacts how credentials are handled and stored in the backend storage system. The flaw specifically targets the storage converter plugin functionality that should have been responsible for properly encrypting credential data before persistence, but instead allowed plaintext credentials to be written to storage.
The technical implementation flaw stems from incorrect enabling of the key storage converter plugin mechanism, which according to CWE-311 - Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data, leaves sensitive information vulnerable to unauthorized access. When users create or overwrite credentials in affected versions, the system fails to apply proper encryption, resulting in plaintext storage of potentially sensitive information. This vulnerability affects all users who have configured any storage converter plugin within their Rundeck environment, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on automated credential management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows for potential credential compromise across all systems using the affected Rundeck versions. Attackers who gain access to the backend storage could directly read plaintext credentials without requiring additional decryption efforts, potentially leading to unauthorized system access, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk as any credentials stored in plaintext remain vulnerable until proper re-encryption occurs, and the affected versions do not automatically detect or remediate existing plaintext entries.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to Rundeck versions 4.3.1 or 4.2.2, which contain the necessary code fixes and re-encryption capabilities. Organizations using the vulnerable versions should implement access controls to disable write access to key storage via ACLs as a temporary measure. The patched versions not only correct the encryption mechanism but also provide automatic re-encryption of existing plaintext values, addressing the root cause of the vulnerability. However, version 4.3.0 specifically lacks the re-encryption functionality, meaning organizations upgrading to that version without first addressing existing plaintext credentials would retain the vulnerability risk. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 - Unsecured Credentials, where the improper handling of credentials creates persistent access vectors for adversaries, and the vulnerability demonstrates how configuration errors in security mechanisms can create exploitable conditions that bypass intended protection controls.