CVE-2018-19786 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

HashiCorp Vault prior to version 1.0.0 unintentionally logs the master key in the server log under specific conditions.

Understanding CVE-2018-19786

In certain scenarios, HashiCorp Vault may expose the master key in the server log due to incorrect data from the autoseal mechanism without error reporting.

What is CVE-2018-19786?

HashiCorp Vault before version 1.0.0 may write the master key to the server log when receiving incorrect data from the autoseal mechanism without any error being reported.

The Impact of CVE-2018-19786

The inadvertent logging of the master key in the server log could lead to a security breach, exposing sensitive information to unauthorized parties.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-19786

HashiCorp Vault vulnerability details and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

HashiCorp Vault prior to version 1.0.0 logs the master key in the server log when incorrect data is received from the autoseal mechanism without any reported error.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions before 1.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs in specific scenarios where incorrect data is received from the autoseal mechanism without triggering an error, leading to the exposure of the master key in the server log.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-19786 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade HashiCorp Vault to version 1.0.0 or later to prevent the master key exposure.
Monitor server logs for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update configurations to ensure secure handling of sensitive data.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by HashiCorp to address the vulnerability and enhance security measures.