CVE-2026-44105 in CHARX SEC-3150
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2026
The credentials for the local user "user-app" may be exposed in log files, potentially enabling a low-privileged local attacker with access to the logs to authenticate via SSH as the limited user "user-app". Charging could be interrupted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in credential exposure within system logging mechanisms that directly enables privilege escalation through unauthorized authentication attempts. The issue occurs when authentication credentials for the local user account "user-app" are inadvertently written to log files during system operations, creating an attack vector where low-privileged local users can access these sensitive materials. The exposure typically happens during normal system operations such as SSH authentication processes, service startup sequences, or application logging activities where credential information is not properly sanitized before being written to persistent storage. This flaw falls under the CWE-532 category of "Information Exposure Through Log Files" which specifically addresses the risk of sensitive data being captured in log entries without proper protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to systems through legitimate authentication channels. When an attacker gains access to log files containing credentials for "user-app", they can authenticate via SSH directly as that user account, bypassing normal security controls and potentially escalating privileges further if the target account has elevated permissions. The interruption of charging processes mentioned in the description suggests this vulnerability may be particularly concerning in environments where continuous system availability is critical, such as financial services or industrial control systems. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege since an attacker can leverage these credentials to perform actions within the scope of the compromised user account.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significantly broadened by the fact that local access to log files typically requires minimal privileges, making it accessible to users who may otherwise have restricted system access. Attackers can exploit this through various methods including direct file system access, log file enumeration techniques, or by leveraging other vulnerabilities that provide access to system logs. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of attack under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1562 Impair Defenses, as it involves legitimate account exploitation combined with defensive mechanism circumvention. Organizations can be particularly vulnerable if log rotation mechanisms are not properly configured or if log files are stored in locations accessible to non-privileged users without proper access controls.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate credential exposure and underlying system configuration issues that enable this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves implementing proper log sanitization procedures where credentials and sensitive information are never written to persistent logs, including configuring applications to use secure logging practices and implementing log filtering mechanisms. Organizations should enforce strict file system permissions on log directories and implement centralized log management solutions with proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive materials. Additional protections include regular log review processes to detect credential exposure, implementing automated monitoring for suspicious log file access patterns, and ensuring proper log retention policies that minimize the window of opportunity for credential theft. The implementation of secure logging frameworks such as those recommended by NIST SP 800-92 can provide comprehensive protection against this class of vulnerability while maintaining system audit capabilities.