CVE-2024-23840 in GoReleaser
Summary
by MITRE • 01/30/2024
GoReleaser builds Go binaries for several platforms, creates a GitHub release and then pushes a Homebrew formula to a tap repository. `goreleaser release --debug` log shows secret values used in the in the custom publisher. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.24.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23840 affects GoReleaser, a popular tool for building and releasing go binaries across multiple platforms while automating github release creation and homebrew formula publishing. This issue specifically manifests during the execution of the `goreleaser release --debug` command where sensitive information including secret values becomes visible in the command output logs. The flaw represents a critical security oversight in how the tool handles authentication credentials and secret management during the debugging process, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized parties who might gain access to these log files or execution outputs. The vulnerability exists within the tool's debug logging mechanism that fails to properly sanitize or redact sensitive information before displaying it in plaintext format.
From a technical perspective this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which describes the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and CWE-546, which covers the use of a deprecated or obsolete cryptographic algorithm. The flaw occurs because the debug functionality does not adequately filter or mask authentication tokens, API keys, or other credential information that may be present in the configuration files or environment variables used by GoReleaser during the release process. When developers execute the debug command to troubleshoot release failures, the tool's logging mechanism inadvertently captures and displays these secrets in the console output, creating a potential attack vector for adversaries who might intercept or access these logs through various means such as CI/CD pipeline logs, terminal sessions, or system audit trails.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to significant security breaches when developers use GoReleaser in automated environments where debug output is captured and stored. In continuous integration and deployment pipelines, these debug logs often persist in build artifacts, monitoring systems, or shared environments where unauthorized personnel might gain access to sensitive credentials. The vulnerability particularly affects development teams that rely on automated release processes and may not properly secure debug output channels or implement proper credential rotation practices. Attackers who obtain access to these debug logs can potentially compromise not only the specific project but also other systems where the same credentials might be reused, leading to lateral movement within an organization's infrastructure.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the technique T1528, which involves the acquisition of secrets through credential access. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and proper information handling practices, as it exposes secrets without requiring additional attack vectors or exploitation techniques. Organizations using GoReleaser should immediately implement mitigations including updating to version 1.24.0 where the issue has been resolved, reviewing existing debug logs for exposed credentials, implementing proper credential management practices, and configuring automated tools to sanitize output before logging. The fix in version 1.24.0 likely includes enhanced logging sanitization procedures and proper credential handling mechanisms that prevent secret values from appearing in debug output while maintaining the tool's functionality for legitimate troubleshooting purposes.