CVE-2023-28441 in smartCARS 3
Summary
by MITRE • 03/24/2023
smartCARS 3 is flight tracking software. In version 0.5.8 and prior, all persons who have failed login attempts will have their password stored in error logs. This problem doesn't occur in version 0.5.9. As a workaround, delete the affected log file, and ensure one logs in correctly.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2023
The smartCARS 3 flight tracking software vulnerability CVE-2023-28441 represents a critical security flaw in versions 0.5.8 and earlier where failed login attempts result in password exposure within error logs. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure logging practices and directly violates security best practices for credential handling. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the authentication subsystem, creating an unintended information disclosure channel that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to system logs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or filter authentication attempt data before writing it to log files. When users attempt to log in with incorrect credentials, the system captures not only the username but also the password in plaintext format within the error logs. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and secure credential management, as passwords are stored in an easily accessible location without proper encryption or access controls. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-532 Information Exposure Through Log Data, which specifically addresses the issue of sensitive information being written to log files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using smartCARS 3 software, as it creates a persistent risk of credential compromise. Attackers who gain access to system logs through various means such as unauthorized file system access, backup file compromises, or insider threats can immediately extract multiple password hashes or plaintext credentials from failed login attempts. This vulnerability undermines the entire authentication security model and could lead to unauthorized system access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within networks. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where log files are not properly secured or monitored for sensitive data exposure.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2023-28441 involves immediate patching to version 0.5.9 which addresses the root cause of the logging issue. Organizations should implement immediate log file cleanup procedures for affected systems and ensure that all failed login attempts are properly sanitized before logging. The workaround of deleting affected log files provides temporary relief but does not address the underlying vulnerability. Security measures should include implementing log file access controls, regular log monitoring for sensitive data, and ensuring that all authentication systems properly sanitize output data. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of defense in depth and proper input validation as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework under the credential access and defense evasion techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication security measures such as account lockout policies and multi-factor authentication to mitigate the impact of potential credential exposure.