CVE-2023-4688 in Acronis
Summary
by MITRE • 09/01/2023
Sensitive information leak through log files. The following products are affected: Acronis Agent (Linux, macOS, Windows) before build 35433.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4688 represents a critical sensitive data exposure issue within Acronis Agent software across multiple operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows platforms. This flaw manifests through improper handling of sensitive information within log file generation processes, creating potential security risks for organizations relying on Acronis backup and recovery solutions. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to build 35433, indicating that the issue was introduced in earlier code iterations and subsequently addressed in the updated release. The sensitive information leakage occurs during normal operational procedures when the agent generates log entries, suggesting that routine backup activities could inadvertently expose confidential data to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of data within log generation routines. When Acronis Agent processes backup operations, it creates detailed log entries that may contain credentials, system identifiers, or other sensitive operational data. The flaw occurs because the logging mechanism fails to properly filter or obfuscate this sensitive information before writing it to persistent storage. This represents a classic case of insufficient data sanitization and output handling, which aligns with CWE-200 - Information Exposure and CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. The vulnerability allows for potential information disclosure attacks where adversaries with access to log files can extract confidential data that should remain protected during backup operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors who might gain access to system logs through various means including unauthorized system access, insider threats, or compromised backup storage systems. Organizations using affected versions of Acronis Agent face risks including credential theft, system reconnaissance, and potential escalation of privileges through the exposure of system identifiers and operational details. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of backup and recovery systems, which are often considered trusted components within enterprise security architectures. This flaw undermines the principle of least privilege and data protection, as sensitive information flows through normal operational channels without proper security controls.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to Acronis Agent build 35433 or later versions that contain the necessary patches. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive log file access controls, regular monitoring for unauthorized log file access, and implementation of automated log sanitization processes. Organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify any potentially compromised systems and implement additional monitoring for suspicious activities related to backup operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of security considerations during software development lifecycle phases, particularly in logging and output handling components. This case highlights the need for adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Logging Security Project and NIST Special Publication 800-92, which emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive information in system outputs and logs. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1567 - Exfiltration Over Web Service and T1070 - Indicator Removal on Host, as it enables both information disclosure and potential log manipulation activities. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper access controls and encryption to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities in other system components.