CVE-2023-3335 in Ops Center Administrator
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File vulnerability in Hitachi Ops Center Administrator on Linux allows local users to gain sensive information.This issue affects Hitachi Ops Center Administrator: before 10.9.3-00.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The CVE-2023-3335 vulnerability represents a critical logging security flaw in Hitachi Ops Center Administrator software running on Linux systems. This issue falls under the category of sensitive data exposure through improper logging mechanisms, where local users can exploit the system to access confidential information that should not be visible in log files. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 10.9.3-00, indicating that Hitachi has acknowledged and addressed this concern in their subsequent releases. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture, where sensitive operational data becomes inadvertently exposed through logging processes that are meant to be secure and isolated from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the logging subsystem of the Hitachi Ops Center Administrator. When the application processes user inputs or system operations, it fails to properly filter or encrypt sensitive data before writing it to log files. This creates an opportunity for local attackers who already have system access to examine log files and extract confidential information such as authentication credentials, system configurations, or operational data that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires local system access, making it a local privilege escalation issue that can be exploited by users with minimal system privileges. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the insertion of sensitive information into log files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.006 for "Impairing Security Tools" through the potential for information disclosure that undermines system monitoring capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3335 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially access system credentials, configuration details, or operational parameters that could facilitate further system compromise or lateral movement within the network environment. The exposure of sensitive information through log files can also violate compliance requirements and data protection regulations, particularly in regulated industries where audit trails must maintain strict confidentiality controls. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Hitachi Ops Center Administrator face increased risk of insider threats, as local users with legitimate access can exploit this weakness to extract valuable operational data that could be used for malicious purposes. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where the application handles sensitive operational data or where multiple users share the same system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3335 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 10.9.3-00 or later, which addresses the root cause of the logging vulnerability. System administrators should also implement enhanced log file access controls, ensuring that sensitive log files are restricted to authorized personnel only and that proper file permissions are enforced. Additional protective measures include implementing log file encryption, regular log file audits, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log data. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential logging issues within their Hitachi Ops Center Administrator deployments and related systems. The implementation of proper input sanitization and output filtering mechanisms within the application code can help prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 frameworks. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.