CVE-2024-28981 in Pentaho Data Integration & Analytics
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2024
Hitachi Vantara Pentaho Data Integration & Analytics versions before 10.1.0.0 and 9.3.0.8, including 8.3.x, discloses database passwords when searching metadata injectable fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
This vulnerability affects Hitachi Vantara Pentaho Data Integration and Analytics platforms across multiple versions including 8.3.x series and prior to 10.1.0.0 and 9.3.0.8 releases. The issue stems from improper handling of database connection credentials during metadata search operations within the platform's injectable fields functionality. When users perform metadata searches that involve database connections, the system inadvertently exposes database passwords in cleartext within the search results or error messages. This represents a critical security flaw that directly violates security principles of credential protection and access control. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-209 which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, while also aligning with CWE-522 which covers insufficiently protected credentials. From an operational perspective, this flaw creates significant risk for organizations using Pentaho platforms as it allows unauthorized users or attackers to extract database authentication credentials through legitimate search functionality. The exposure occurs during normal operational tasks when metadata injection fields are processed, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors without requiring elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to backend databases, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network environments. The impact extends beyond immediate credential theft as it may enable attackers to establish persistent access points through database connections that are often used for critical business operations. Organizations utilizing Pentaho platforms should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to 10.1.0.0 or 9.3.0.8, which contain patches addressing this information disclosure vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual metadata search patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of database connection configurations can help mitigate potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in enterprise analytics platforms, as it demonstrates how seemingly benign search functionality can become a vector for credential exposure. From an att&ck perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique t1566.001 for credential access through phishing and t1078.004 for valid accounts through compromised credentials, as attackers could use extracted database passwords to establish unauthorized database sessions. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious database connection attempts that may result from credential exposure through this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated platforms to ensure that the patch properly addresses the information disclosure without introducing regressions in metadata search functionality. Organizations should also review their database connection management practices and implement additional layers of security including database encryption, network access controls, and regular credential rotation procedures to reduce the overall risk surface.