CVE-2022-3261 in OpenStack
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2023
A flaw was found in OpenStack. Multiple components show plain-text passwords in /var/log/messages during the OpenStack overcloud update run, leading to a disclosure of sensitive information problem.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3261 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the OpenStack cloud infrastructure platform that affects multiple components during overcloud update operations. This security weakness manifests when plain-text passwords are inadvertently logged to the /var/log/messages system log file, creating a significant exposure risk for sensitive authentication credentials. The flaw specifically occurs during the OpenStack overcloud update process, which is a critical operational procedure for managing and maintaining cloud infrastructure deployments. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of authentication mechanisms within OpenStack environments, potentially allowing unauthorized parties to gain access to privileged credentials that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the logging mechanisms of OpenStack components. During the overcloud update execution, the system fails to sanitize or obfuscate password values before writing them to system logs, resulting in clear-text credentials being stored in plaintext format within the /var/log/messages file. This behavior violates fundamental security principles regarding the handling of sensitive information and demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization and output filtering within the logging subsystem. The flaw operates at the application level and affects the logging framework components that process and output operational data during cloud deployment procedures. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-209, which specifically addresses information exposure through logging mechanisms, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3261 extends beyond simple credential disclosure, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors seeking to compromise OpenStack environments. When plain-text passwords are exposed in system logs, attackers can leverage this information to perform unauthorized access attempts against cloud resources, potentially escalating privileges and gaining control over critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects the entire OpenStack ecosystem during update operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can occur during routine maintenance procedures when administrators expect the system to be operating securely. This flaw creates a persistent risk as log files are often retained for extended periods, meaning that exposed credentials remain accessible to unauthorized parties long after the initial exposure. The vulnerability's impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which addresses credentials in files, and T1078, which covers valid accounts, as compromised credentials can be used to establish persistent access to cloud environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3261 require immediate implementation of logging sanitization procedures and enhanced security controls within OpenStack environments. Organizations should implement log filtering mechanisms that automatically redact or mask sensitive information before writing to system logs, particularly during authentication and credential handling operations. The recommended approach includes configuring logging subsystems to replace password values with generic placeholders or hashes, ensuring that no plain-text credentials are stored in accessible log files. System administrators should also implement log rotation and access controls to limit who can view system logs containing sensitive information. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar logging vulnerabilities throughout their OpenStack deployments. The implementation of proper input validation and output filtering mechanisms, as recommended by OWASP logging security guidelines, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect anomalous log patterns that might indicate credential exposure, while regular patching and updating of OpenStack components should be prioritized to address known vulnerabilities in the logging and authentication subsystems.