CVE-2019-12399 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache Kafka versions 2.0.0, 2.0.1, 2.1.0, 2.1.1, 2.2.0, 2.2.1, and 2.3.0 are affected by an information disclosure vulnerability that exposes plaintext secrets in tasks endpoint responses.

Understanding CVE-2019-12399

Apache Kafka Connect REST API may inadvertently reveal plaintext secrets when certain configurations are used, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What is CVE-2019-12399?

This CVE pertains to a security issue in Apache Kafka versions 2.0.0 to 2.3.0 that allows externalized secret variables to be exposed in plaintext form within connector configurations, posing a risk of unauthorized access to confidential data.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12399

The vulnerability could result in unauthorized parties accessing sensitive information, including plaintext secrets, due to the improper handling of externalized secret variables in Apache Kafka Connect configurations.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12399

Apache Kafka versions 2.0.0 to 2.3.0 are susceptible to an information disclosure flaw that exposes plaintext secrets in task configuration responses.

Vulnerability Description

When Connect workers are configured with config providers and connectors utilize externalized secret variables, a client can request a connector's task configuration and receive plaintext secrets instead of externalized variables.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Kafka
Vendor: Apache
Affected Versions: 2.0.0, 2.0.1, 2.1.0, 2.1.1, 2.2.0, 2.2.1, 2.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized clients can exploit this vulnerability by making requests to the Connect cluster to retrieve connector task configurations, leading to the exposure of plaintext secrets.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12399, immediate steps should be taken to secure affected systems and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Kafka to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized access to the Connect cluster.
Monitor and audit Connect cluster activities for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update configurations to ensure secure handling of sensitive information.
Educate users on best practices for managing secrets and credentials within Apache Kafka environments.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Apache to mitigate the vulnerability.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Apache to address potential security risks.