CVE-2024-7421 in Remote Desktop Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
An information exposure in Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager 2024.2.20.0 and earlier on Windows allows local attackers with access to system logs to obtain session credentials via passwords included in command-line arguments when launching WinSCP sessions
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7421 represents a critical information exposure issue within Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager version 2024.2.20.0 and earlier releases on Windows platforms. This flaw stems from improper handling of sensitive data during the execution of WinSCP sessions through the remote desktop management interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when command-line arguments containing session credentials are logged in system logs, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries with access to these log files. The issue falls under the category of CWE-200, Information Exposure, which encompasses various scenarios where sensitive information is unintentionally revealed to unauthorized parties. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and data minimization, as credentials that should remain confidential are inadvertently persisted in plaintext within system log records.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager executes WinSCP sessions by launching command-line processes that include authentication credentials as part of their argument structure. These command-line parameters, which may contain usernames, passwords, or other sensitive authentication tokens, are passed through to the underlying WinSCP executable without proper sanitization or obfuscation. When the system logs these command-line executions, the full argument strings containing credentials become permanently stored in log files accessible to local users. This exposure creates a persistent risk where any local user with read access to system logs can extract these credentials and potentially use them for unauthorized access to target systems. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization practices, as the application fails to recognize that command-line arguments containing sensitive data should be treated as confidential information requiring protection.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7421 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for organizations utilizing Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager. Local attackers who can access system logs can extract session credentials for multiple WinSCP connections, potentially compromising access to numerous network resources, file servers, and remote systems. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share systems or where log files are not properly secured, as the credentials remain accessible for extended periods. The exposure creates a significant risk for privilege escalation attacks, where attackers can leverage these stolen credentials to move laterally within networks or gain access to more sensitive systems. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for organizations subject to security standards such as iso 27001, soc 2, and pci dss, which mandate proper handling and protection of authentication credentials. Additionally, the flaw contributes to the broader threat landscape by providing attackers with persistent credential access that can be used for extended periods without detection, as the credentials remain in log files until manually cleared.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7421 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager version 2024.2.21.0 or later, which contains patches addressing this information exposure. System administrators should implement proper log file access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can read system logs containing command-line arguments. This includes implementing role-based access controls and regular audit reviews of log file permissions. The application should be configured to avoid logging command-line arguments containing sensitive information, or to sanitize these arguments before logging. Security teams should monitor log files for suspicious patterns and implement automated alerting for credential exposure attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing credential management solutions that separate authentication tokens from command-line execution, such as using credential managers or secure vaults. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and the need for comprehensive security testing of applications that handle sensitive data, particularly in environments where local access controls may be insufficient. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique under T1550, which emphasizes the importance of protecting authentication tokens from unauthorized access through proper system hardening and logging practices.