CVE-2022-40979 in TeamCity
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2022
In JetBrains TeamCity before 2022.04.4 environmental variables of "password" type could be logged when using custom Perforce executable
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2022
This vulnerability exists in JetBrains TeamCity versions prior to 2022.04.4 where environmental variables of type "password" could be inadvertently logged when utilizing custom Perforce executable configurations. The flaw represents a critical security oversight in how the system handles sensitive credential data during build processes. When users configure Perforce integration with custom executable paths, the application fails to properly sanitize password-type environment variables before logging operations, potentially exposing confidential authentication information to unauthorized parties through log files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within TeamCity's logging mechanisms. Specifically, when processing build configurations that involve Perforce source control integration with custom executable specifications, the system does not properly filter or mask password-type environment variables before writing them to log files. This creates a scenario where sensitive credentials become permanently stored in accessible log repositories, violating fundamental security principles of credential handling and data protection.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for organizations using TeamCity with Perforce integration. Attackers who gain access to build logs or system administrative privileges can extract password credentials that were previously considered secure. The impact extends beyond immediate credential compromise to include potential lateral movement within network environments, as these credentials might be used for additional system access or to escalate privileges. The vulnerability particularly affects CI/CD pipelines where automated build processes frequently interact with external systems requiring authentication.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and CWE-312, concerning "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information." Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Unsecured Credentials" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" when credentials are exposed through logging mechanisms. Organizations using TeamCity with Perforce integration should immediately update to version 2022.04.4 or later to remediate this vulnerability. The fix implements proper sanitization of password-type environment variables in logging operations, ensuring that sensitive information is not persisted in clear text within build logs. System administrators should also conduct thorough log reviews to identify any previously exposed credentials and implement monitoring for unauthorized log access attempts.