CVE-2021-25645 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability was found in Couchbase Server versions before 6.0.5, 6.1.x through 6.5.x before 6.5.2, and 6.6.x before 6.6.1, where an internal user with administrator privileges could leak credentials in cleartext in various log files.

Understanding CVE-2021-25645

This CVE identifies a security issue in Couchbase Server that could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive information due to the leakage of credentials.

What is CVE-2021-25645?

The vulnerability in Couchbase Server allows the internal user @ns_server to inadvertently expose credentials in clear text format within specific log files, posing a risk to security and confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25645

With this vulnerability, an attacker could potentially access and exploit sensitive information, such as passwords and other credentials, stored within the affected log files, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25645

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The issue involves the inadvertent leakage of credentials in cleartext format by the internal user @ns_server in several log files, including cbcollect_info.log, debug.log, ns_couchdb.log, indexer.log, and stats.log, within the affected Couchbase Server versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Couchbase Server versions prior to 6.0.5, 6.1.x through 6.5.x before 6.5.2, and 6.6.x before 6.6.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, leaving them susceptible to credential exposure.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with access to the affected log files could exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive credentials in plaintext, compromising the security of the Couchbase Server environment.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to address and mitigate the CVE, enhancing system security and preventing potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update Couchbase Server to versions 6.0.5, 6.5.2, or 6.6.1 to address the credential leakage issue. Additionally, auditing log files for potential exposure is advised.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing access controls, encryption mechanisms, and regular security audits can help bolster the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches, monitoring for updates from Couchbase, and staying informed about security advisories are crucial to maintaining a secure Couchbase Server environment.