CVE-2023-1904 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
In affected versions of Octopus Server it is possible for the OpenID client secret to be logged in clear text during the configuration of Octopus Server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1904 affects Octopus Server versions prior to the patched release, presenting a critical security risk through improper logging practices. This flaw allows the OpenID client secret to be written in plaintext format to log files during the server configuration process, creating an immediate and severe exposure for organizations relying on this platform for deployment automation and infrastructure management. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and logging controls within the configuration workflow, where sensitive authentication credentials are not properly masked or filtered before being recorded in system logs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the initial setup or configuration phase of Octopus Server when OpenID authentication is being configured. When administrators or automated processes interact with the system to establish OpenID client credentials, the software fails to implement proper credential obfuscation mechanisms before logging these values. The client secret, which serves as a critical authentication element for OpenID Connect implementations, gets written directly to log files without any form of masking or redaction, making it immediately accessible to any entity with read access to these log files. This represents a fundamental failure in secure logging practices and demonstrates a clear violation of security best practices for credential handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the initial configuration phase, as the plaintext client secrets stored in log files become persistent attack vectors throughout the system lifecycle. Attackers who gain access to system logs, whether through legitimate administrative access, compromised user accounts, or unauthorized system breaches, can immediately extract these secrets and use them to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to connected identity providers. The risk is particularly severe for organizations that maintain long-term log retention policies, as these credentials remain exposed for extended periods. The vulnerability also impacts compliance with security frameworks such as iso 27001 and soc 2, where proper credential handling and access control are mandatory requirements for maintaining security certifications.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest stable versions of Octopus Server that address this logging vulnerability, followed by comprehensive log review processes to identify and remove any previously exposed credentials. System administrators must ensure that log files containing sensitive information are properly secured with restricted access controls and that automated log sanitization processes are implemented to prevent future occurrences. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through log files, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure logging practices. Additionally, this issue maps to ATT&CK technique T1562.006, which involves credential dumping through log files, emphasizing the need for comprehensive log management and access control policies to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.