CVE-2025-1075 in Checkmk
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2025
Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File in Checkmk GmbH's Checkmk versions <2.3.0p27, <2.2.0p40, and 2.1.0p51 (EOL) causes LDAP credentials to be written to Apache error log file accessible to administrators.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
This vulnerability resides in the Checkmk monitoring platform developed by Checkmk GmbH and affects multiple versions including those below 2.3.0p27, 2.2.0p40, and the end-of-life 2.1.0p51. The core issue involves improper handling of sensitive authentication data during LDAP integration processes, where user credentials are inadvertently logged to Apache error log files. This represents a critical security flaw that directly violates security best practices for credential handling and log management. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize or filter sensitive information before writing it to log files, creating an unintended information disclosure channel.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when Checkmk processes LDAP authentication requests and fails to properly mask or remove authentication credentials from log entries. During the LDAP binding process, usernames and passwords or other authentication tokens are written to the Apache error log without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates a situation where any administrator with access to the Apache error logs can retrieve these sensitive credentials, effectively providing unauthorized access to LDAP accounts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate logging mechanisms to store sensitive data, making detection more difficult and exploitation straightforward for attackers who gain administrative access to log files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations using Checkmk for system monitoring. Administrators who maintain access to Apache error logs inadvertently become potential attackers with access to multiple LDAP accounts, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks and privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-209, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information in error messages, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.001, which covers "Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools" through credential exposure. The exposure affects not just individual user accounts but potentially entire organizational authentication domains, as LDAP credentials often provide access to multiple systems and services.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Checkmk, specifically versions 2.3.0p27, 2.2.0p40, or 2.1.0p51, and implementing proper log sanitization procedures. Security teams must conduct thorough log review processes to identify any previously exposed credentials and implement monitoring for unauthorized access to Apache error logs. The remediation strategy should include disabling unnecessary logging of authentication data, implementing log access controls, and establishing automated monitoring for sensitive information exposure in log files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls to limit who can access Apache error logs, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of protecting log file access as part of overall security infrastructure.