CVE-2021-25643 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in Couchbase Server 5.x and 6.x before 6.5.2 and 6.6.x before 6.6.2. Internal users with administrator privileges, @cbq-engine-cbauth and @index-cbauth, leak credentials in cleartext in the indexer.log file when they make a /listCreateTokens, /listRebalanceTokens, or /listMetadataTokens call.

Understanding CVE-2021-25643

This CVE involves the leakage of administrator credentials in Couchbase Server versions 5.x and 6.x, posing a security risk.

What is CVE-2021-25643?

The vulnerability in Couchbase Server allows internal users with specific privileges to expose credentials in cleartext within the indexer log file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25643

The impact of this vulnerability is critical as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the Couchbase Server by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25643

This section outlines the technical specifics of the CVE to better understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exposes clear text credentials of internal users @cbq-engine-cbauth and @index-cbauth in the indexer.log file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Couchbase Server versions 5.x and 6.x before 6.5.2 and 6.6.x before 6.6.2 are affected by this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs when internal users make specific calls, such as /listCreateTokens, /listRebalanceTokens, or /listMetadataTokens, leading to credential leakage.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-25643, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations are advised to restrict access to the affected files and monitor for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege, regularly monitoring logs for unusual activities, and educating users on secure practices are vital for long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching by updating Couchbase Server to version 6.5.2 or 6.6.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.