CVE-2026-71845 in insights-client
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2026
A flaw was found in insights-client. The setDefault() function logs the value of every environment variable it processes, including CCX_TOKEN, a bearer credential used in disconnected cluster deployments. When glog verbosity is set to level 2 or higher, the token is written in clear text to the pod log on every startup. An attacker with access to pod logs or centralized logging could obtain the credential, leading to unauthorized access to the CCX API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2026
This vulnerability exists within the insights-client component where the setDefault() function exhibits insecure logging behavior that inadvertently exposes sensitive authentication credentials. The flaw specifically involves the logging of environment variables during processing, with particular attention to CCX_TOKEN which serves as a bearer token for disconnected cluster deployments. When the glog verbosity level is configured to 2 or higher, the system writes the complete token value in plaintext format directly to pod logs during each startup sequence. This represents a critical security oversight that violates fundamental principles of credential handling and secure logging practices.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper logging controls within the insights-client codebase where environment variable processing occurs without adequate sanitization or filtering of sensitive values. The CCX_TOKEN variable contains authentication credentials that, when exposed through log output, can be directly consumed by unauthorized parties to gain access to the CCX API services. This vulnerability is classified as a credential exposure issue that aligns with CWE-209, which addresses information exposure through logging mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor separation of concerns between configuration processing and security-sensitive operations, where sensitive data flows through logging systems without appropriate protection measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for disconnected cluster environments where insights-client operates. Attackers with access to pod logs or centralized logging infrastructure can obtain the bearer token and subsequently authenticate to the CCX API service, potentially enabling them to perform unauthorized operations including data exfiltration, configuration modification, or service disruption. This threat vector represents a privilege escalation path that could allow attackers to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of cluster monitoring data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments where log access controls may not be properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper environment variable sanitization before logging operations occur, ensuring that sensitive credentials are never written to log output regardless of verbosity settings. Organizations should configure logging systems to filter out credential values and implement strict access controls over log data to prevent unauthorized access to pod logs. The solution involves modifying the setDefault() function to either strip sensitive variables from logging or implement conditional logging based on environment variable type. Additionally, implementing proper audit controls and monitoring for log access patterns can help detect potential credential exposure incidents. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1567 which covers credential harvesting through exposed credentials in logs and configuration files.