CVE-2025-23261 in NVOS
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2025
NVIDIA Cumulus Linux and NVOS products contain a vulnerability, where hashed user passwords are not properly suppressed in log files, potentially disclosing information to unauthorized users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2025
This vulnerability exists within NVIDIA Cumulus Linux and NVOS operating systems where user authentication credentials are inadvertently exposed through log file contents. The flaw represents a critical information disclosure issue that violates fundamental security principles governing credential protection and access control. When users authenticate to the system, their hashed passwords are written to log files without proper sanitization, creating potential attack vectors for unauthorized individuals who gain access to these log repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the logging subsystem of these network operating systems. Specifically, the system fails to properly filter or mask hashed password values during log generation processes, allowing these sensitive credentials to persist in plain text format within system logs. This behavior directly contravenes established security frameworks that mandate protection of authentication tokens and credentials from unauthorized access. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-200 as exposure of sensitive information and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.001 for "Disable or Modify Tools" where compromised credentials could enable attackers to modify system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to authentication mechanisms that could lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. Network administrators who maintain log files containing these hashed credentials may unknowingly expose their systems to unauthorized access, particularly in environments where log files are accessible to multiple users or stored on systems with inadequate access controls. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Cumulus Linux and NVOS are deployed for network infrastructure management, as these systems often contain privileged accounts with extensive network access rights.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate implementation of log sanitization procedures that automatically filter out hashed password values from all system logs. Organizations should implement comprehensive log management policies that enforce mandatory credential masking during log generation, ensuring that authentication tokens are never stored in plaintext within log files. Additionally, system administrators should conduct regular log file audits to identify and remove any previously exposed credential information, while implementing proper access controls to limit who can view system logs. The remediation process should also include configuration updates that enforce secure logging practices, ensuring that future system operations properly suppress sensitive information from log outputs. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper information flow control and access management within network operating systems, as highlighted in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.