CVE-2020-5414 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-5414 affecting VMware Tanzu products. Discover how sensitive credentials are logged, potentially granting unauthorized access. Find mitigation steps and patching recommendations.
VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs (2.7.x versions prior to 2.7.19, 2.8.x versions prior to 2.8.13, and 2.9.x versions prior to 2.9.7) contains a vulnerability where the App Autoscaler logs sensitive credentials, potentially exposing them to unauthorized users.
Understanding CVE-2020-5414
This CVE highlights a security issue in VMware Tanzu products that could lead to unauthorized access to critical information.
What is CVE-2020-5414?
CVE-2020-5414 is a vulnerability in VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs that allows the logging of sensitive credentials, including the UAA admin password and App Autoscaler Broker password.
The Impact of CVE-2020-5414
The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a CVSS base score of 5.7. It could result in unauthorized users gaining administrative privileges and manipulating App Autoscaler services.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-5414
This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The App Autoscaler in affected versions logs sensitive credentials, potentially granting malicious users administrative access.
Affected Systems and Versions
- PCF Autoscaling: All versions less than v232
- Operations Manager: Versions 2.7.15, 2.8.6, and 2.9.1
- VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs: Versions 2.7.19, 2.8.13, and 2.9.7
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows authenticated users of the BOSH Director to access unredacted logs containing critical credentials.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5414 is crucial for maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade affected VMware Tanzu products to the latest versions that address the logging issue.
- Monitor and restrict access to sensitive logs containing credentials.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement strict access controls to limit exposure of critical information.
- Regularly review and update logging mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by VMware Tanzu to fix the credential logging vulnerability.