CVE-2024-26133 in EventStoreDB
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
EventStoreDB (ESDB) is an operational database built to store events. A vulnerability has been identified in the projections subsystem in versions 20 prior to 20.10.6, 21 prior to 21.10.11, 22 prior to 22.10.5, and 23 prior to 23.10.1. Only database instances that use custom projections are affected by this vulnerability. User passwords may become accessible to those who have access to the chunk files on disk, and users who have read access to system streams. Only users in the `$admins` group can access system streams by default. ESDB 23.10.1, 22.10.5, 21.10.11, and 20.10.6 contain a patch for this issue. Users should upgrade EventStoreDB, reset the passwords for current and previous members of `$admins` and `$ops` groups, and, if a password was reused in any other system, reset it in those systems to a unique password to follow best practices. If an upgrade cannot be done immediately, reset the passwords for current and previous members of `$admins` and `$ops` groups. Avoid creating custom projections until the patch has been applied.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2024
EventStoreDB represents a sophisticated event-sourcing database system designed for storing and managing event streams with high performance and reliability. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-26133 specifically targets the projections subsystem within this database infrastructure, creating a critical security exposure that affects multiple version branches including 20.x through 23.x. This flaw operates within the operational framework where custom projections are utilized, making it particularly concerning for organizations that implement advanced data processing workflows. The vulnerability exists in the way the system handles authentication credentials within its storage architecture, specifically within chunk files that contain event data.
The technical flaw manifests when attackers gain access to chunk files on disk and can read system streams, which exposes user passwords that are stored in an insecure manner. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and represents a significant weakness in the database's credential protection mechanisms. The attack vector requires only read access to system streams, which by default is restricted to users in the $admins group, but this protection can be bypassed through various means. The projections subsystem processes and transforms event data, and the flaw allows password information to be extracted from the chunk storage layer where these processed events are maintained.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent security risk that can compromise entire organizational systems. When passwords are exposed through chunk files, attackers can gain unauthorized access to administrative accounts and potentially escalate privileges throughout the system. The vulnerability affects organizations that have implemented custom projections, which are commonly used for complex data processing and business logic implementation. This exposure particularly impacts the principle of least privilege, as the system fails to properly isolate sensitive authentication data from potentially accessible storage components. The security implications are compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple major version streams, indicating a fundamental flaw in the data protection architecture rather than a simple patchable issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-26133 require immediate action from system administrators to ensure operational security. The recommended approach includes upgrading to patched versions 23.10.1, 22.10.5, 21.10.11, and 20.10.6, which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations must also reset passwords for all current and former members of the $admins and $ops groups, as these accounts represent the primary targets for exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing), as it enables attackers to leverage compromised administrative credentials for further system infiltration. Additionally, organizations should implement the principle of unique password management, ensuring that any passwords reused across systems are immediately changed to prevent lateral movement attacks. The temporary workaround of avoiding custom projections until patching is complete provides a viable mitigation strategy while maintaining operational functionality. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unauthorized access to system streams and chunk files, as this vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including compromised administrative accounts or insider threats.