CVE-2020-13881 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In support.c in pam_tacplus 1.3.8 through 1.5.1, the TACACS+ shared secret gets logged via syslog if the DEBUG loglevel and journald are used.

Understanding CVE-2020-13881

This CVE involves the logging of the TACACS+ shared secret via syslog in specific conditions.

What is CVE-2020-13881?

CVE-2020-13881 relates to a vulnerability in pam_tacplus versions 1.3.8 through 1.5.1, where the TACACS+ shared secret is exposed through syslog when DEBUG loglevel and journald are utilized.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13881

The exposure of the TACACS+ shared secret can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13881

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue occurs in support.c in pam_tacplus versions 1.3.8 through 1.5.1, allowing the TACACS+ shared secret to be logged via syslog under specific configurations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions 1.3.8 through 1.5.1 of pam_tacplus are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited when DEBUG loglevel and journald are enabled, leading to the exposure of the TACACS+ shared secret through syslog.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13881, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable DEBUG loglevel and journald to prevent the TACACS+ shared secret from being logged.
Monitor system logs for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update pam_tacplus to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to enhance system security.

Patching and Updates

Apply security updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability and enhance system protection.