CVE-2024-23689 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2024-23689 impacts the ClickHouse software products, specifically clickhouse-r2dbc, clickhouse-jdbc, and clickhouse-client versions less than 0.4.6. It allows unauthorized users to access client certificate passwords through client exception logs, posing a risk of exposing sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2024-23689

This vulnerability in ClickHouse products can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, namely client certificate passwords, to unauthorized users. It occurs when exceptions are generated during database operations, leading to the inclusion of the certificate password in the exception message logged by the client.

What is CVE-2024-23689?

CVE-2024-23689 refers to the exposure of sensitive information in exceptions in ClickHouse's clickhouse-r2dbc, clickhouse-jdbc, and clickhouse-client versions less than 0.4.6, enabling unauthorized access to client certificate passwords through client exception logs.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23689

The impact of CVE-2024-23689 is significant as it allows unauthorized users to potentially gain access to sensitive client certificate passwords, compromising the security and confidentiality of the ClickHouse database operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23689

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the exposure of sensitive information in exceptions in ClickHouse's clickhouse-r2dbc, clickhouse-jdbc, and clickhouse-client versions less than 0.4.6. It occurs when 'sslkey' is specified and specific exceptions are thrown during database operations, resulting in client certificate passwords being included in the exception message logged by the client.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts ClickHouse products, specifically clickhouse-r2dbc, clickhouse-jdbc, and clickhouse-client versions less than 0.4.6. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of unauthorized access to client certificate passwords.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit this vulnerability by triggering exceptions, such as ClickHouseException or SQLException, during database operations in affected versions. This triggers the inclusion of client certificate passwords in the exception message, enabling attackers to gain access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2024-23689 and mitigate its risks, users and administrators can take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update the affected ClickHouse products to versions equal to or greater than 0.4.6 to mitigate the vulnerability. Furthermore, review and restrict access to client certificate passwords to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and educate personnel on handling sensitive information to enhance overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor and apply security patches released by ClickHouse to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the security of the database operations. Stay informed about security advisories and updates from ClickHouse to maintain a secure environment.