CVE-2020-7021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Elasticsearch versions before 7.10.0 and 6.8.14 have an information disclosure issue related to audit logging and the emit_request_body option. This vulnerability could expose sensitive data like password hashes and authentication tokens.

Understanding CVE-2020-7021

This CVE affects Elasticsearch versions prior to 7.10.0 and 6.8.14, potentially leading to the exposure of critical information.

What is CVE-2020-7021?

CVE-2020-7021 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Elasticsearch that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data through the audit log.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7021

The vulnerability could enable Elasticsearch administrators to view confidential details like password hashes and authentication tokens, compromising system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7021

Elasticsearch's information disclosure issue and its implications are detailed below.

Vulnerability Description

When audit logging and the emit_request_body option are enabled, Elasticsearch versions before 7.10.0 and 6.8.14 may inadvertently expose sensitive data in the audit log.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Elasticsearch
Vendor: Elastic
Vulnerable Versions: Before 7.10.0 and 6.8.14

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of audit logs, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7021 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Elasticsearch to version 7.10.0 or 6.8.14 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Disable audit logging or the emit_request_body option if upgrading is not immediately feasible.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor Elasticsearch logs for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data exposure.
Stay informed about security updates and best practices to enhance system security.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Elastic to address the information disclosure vulnerability in Elasticsearch.