CVE-2026-8804
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2026
Puppet resource_api (shipped in Puppet Core 8.x and Puppet Enterprise 2023.8.x and 2025.x) does not preserve the sensitive flag on parameters defined via the resource-api, causing values such as passwords to be stored in cleartext in the agent's local transaction state cache. Affected versions of the resource_api module include all versions between 1.5.0 - 1.9.1 and 2.0.0 The issue was fixed in puppet resource_api 1.9.2 and 2.0.1 released with Puppet Core 8.20.0 and PE 2023.8.10 & PE 2025.11.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2026
The vulnerability in Puppet's resource_api module represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of sensitive data handling within the configuration management framework. This issue affects Puppet Core versions 8.x and Puppet Enterprise versions 2023.8.x and 2025.x, specifically targeting the resource_api module versions between 1.5.0 and 1.9.1, as well as version 2.0.0. The flaw manifests when parameters defined through the resource-api do not properly maintain their sensitive flag status, leading to cleartext storage of confidential information including passwords within the agent's local transaction state cache.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the resource_api module's failure to propagate security attributes during parameter processing. When Puppet agents execute configurations that involve sensitive parameters such as passwords, database credentials, or API keys, the system should maintain these values in encrypted form throughout the transaction lifecycle. However, due to the bug, sensitive flags are stripped away during processing, causing the module to store these values in plain text format within local cache files. This represents a direct violation of data protection principles and creates persistent exposure points for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating multiple attack vectors for adversaries who gain access to compromised Puppet agents. The cleartext storage of sensitive parameters means that any individual with access to the agent's local file system can directly retrieve passwords and other confidential information from the transaction cache files. This risk is particularly severe in environments where Puppet agents operate on systems with varying levels of security controls or where physical access to machines cannot be fully controlled. The vulnerability affects the entire configuration management pipeline, as these cached values may persist across multiple agent runs and could potentially remain accessible for extended periods.
The fix implemented in resource_api versions 1.9.2 and 2.0.1 addresses this issue by ensuring proper preservation of sensitive flags during parameter processing within the Puppet Core 8.20.0 release and corresponding Puppet Enterprise updates. This remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in CWE-522, which specifically addresses insufficiently protected credentials, and reflects the ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials in files. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions to eliminate this exposure, as the vulnerability creates persistent cleartext storage of sensitive information that could be exploited by attackers with local access to Puppet agent systems. The patch ensures that sensitive parameters maintain their security attributes throughout the entire parameter lifecycle, preventing unauthorized disclosure through cache file access.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper parameter handling in configuration management systems and highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks. The issue underscores the need for comprehensive testing of security attributes during module development and the importance of maintaining data protection mechanisms throughout all stages of system operation. Organizations utilizing Puppet should conduct thorough assessments of their current deployments to identify any potential exposure from affected versions and implement immediate remediation measures to protect sensitive configuration data.