CVE-2023-33264 in Hazelcast
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2023
In Hazelcast through 5.0.4, 5.1 through 5.1.6, and 5.2 through 5.2.3, configuration routines don't mask passwords in the member configuration properly. This allows Hazelcast Management Center users to view some of the secrets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
Hazelcast is a distributed computing platform that provides in-memory data grid capabilities for enterprise applications. The vulnerability CVE-2023-33264 affects versions 5.0.4 and earlier, 5.1.6 and earlier, and 5.2.3 and earlier of the Hazelcast platform. This issue specifically relates to how the system handles password configuration during member setup processes. The flaw exists in the configuration routines where sensitive authentication credentials are not properly masked or sanitized when stored or displayed within the system. This represents a significant security concern as it directly impacts the confidentiality of authentication secrets that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of password data within the Hazelcast member configuration system. When administrators configure Hazelcast members with authentication credentials, the system fails to adequately mask these passwords during processing or display operations. This allows users with access to the Hazelcast Management Center to potentially view portions of the configuration data that contain sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in the input sanitization and output masking mechanisms that should protect sensitive data during system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers who can access the Hazelcast Management Center may extract authentication credentials that could be used to gain unauthorized access to the distributed computing environment. This creates a potential attack vector for privilege escalation and system compromise, as the exposed passwords could provide access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the system's authentication framework and undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Hazelcast for their data grid operations. Organizations using affected versions face increased risk of unauthorized access to their distributed systems and potential data breaches.
Security professionals should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Hazelcast to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing the latest available patches that properly mask password information during configuration processes. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred due to this vulnerability. Configuration management practices should be enhanced to ensure that sensitive data is properly protected throughout the system lifecycle. This includes implementing proper access controls for management interfaces and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a potential technique for credential access under the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and enhanced monitoring to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts.