CVE-2020-12757 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2020-12757 affecting HashiCorp Vault 1.4.0 and 1.4.1. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this GCP credentials vulnerability.
HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise 1.4.0 and 1.4.1, when configured with the GCP Secrets Engine, may incorrectly generate GCP Credentials with the default time-to-live lease duration instead of the engine-configured setting. This may lead to generated GCP credentials being valid for longer than intended. Fixed in 1.4.2.
Understanding CVE-2020-12757
This CVE involves a vulnerability in HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 1.4.0 and 1.4.1 when used with the GCP Secrets Engine.
What is CVE-2020-12757?
CVE-2020-12757 is a security issue in HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 1.4.0 and 1.4.1 that can cause GCP credentials to be generated with incorrect time-to-live lease durations.
The Impact of CVE-2020-12757
The incorrect generation of GCP credentials can result in these credentials being valid for a longer period than intended, potentially leading to unauthorized access or security breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-12757
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
When configured with the GCP Secrets Engine, HashiCorp Vault versions 1.4.0 and 1.4.1 may generate GCP Credentials with the default time-to-live lease duration instead of the engine-configured setting.
Affected Systems and Versions
- HashiCorp Vault 1.4.0
- HashiCorp Vault 1.4.1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows for the incorrect generation of GCP credentials, extending their validity beyond the intended duration.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-12757, follow these mitigation steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to HashiCorp Vault version 1.4.2 where the issue is fixed.
- Review and update the configuration of the GCP Secrets Engine to ensure correct credential generation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit the generation and usage of GCP credentials.
- Stay informed about security updates and best practices for using HashiCorp Vault.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that your HashiCorp Vault installation is always up to date with the latest patches and security fixes.