CVE-2024-23677 - Splunk Enterprise RapidDiag Utility Discloses Sensitive Information in Log Files

---

Overview

A critical vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise versions below 9..8 has been discovered and assigned the CVE-Identifier CVE-2024-23677. This vulnerability affects the Splunk RapidDiag utility, leading to the disclosure of server responses from external applications in log files. In this blog post, we will discuss the details of the exploit, its impact, and advise on remediation steps.

Details of the Vulnerability

The Splunk RapidDiag utility is a powerful tool designed to help troubleshoot and diagnose issues within the Splunk platform. However, when external applications are queried by the RapidDiag tool, their server responses are stored in plain text in a log file, revealing potentially sensitive information. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information by accessing the log files, potentially leading to further security breaches and data leaks.

To demonstrate the vulnerability, consider the following code snippet

import requests

url = "https://external-application.example.com/";
response = requests.get(url)
response_data = response.text

with open("splunk_rapid_diag.log", "a") as log_file:
    log_file.write(response_data)

In the code snippet above, the server response from the external application (https://external-application.example.com/) is stored in the response_data variable. This information is logged to the "splunk_rapid_diag.log" file in plain text, which poses a significant security risk.

Impact of the Vulnerability

The disclosure of server responses from external applications in log files can lead to several security issues:

1. Sensitive information exposure: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data like API keys, access tokens, or private user data from the log files.

2. Unauthorized actions: With the help of exposed sensitive data, attackers might perform harmful actions like modifying data or initiating unauthorized transactions.

3. Increased scope of attack: The vulnerability may provide the attacker with additional information to further compromise other systems or applications connected to the Splunk platform.

Remediation Steps

To mitigate the risks associated with the CVE-2024-23677 vulnerability, it is advised to take the following steps:

1. Upgrade to Splunk Enterprise 9..8 or newer: The vulnerability has been resolved in Splunk Enterprise version 9..8 and later. Users are urged to update their installations as soon as possible. You can download the latest version from the Splunk download page.

2. Restrict access to log files: Monitor and limit access to sensitive log files, ensuring only authorized personnel can access them. Additionally, configure log files to be stored in secure locations, leveraging encryption and access control mechanisms.

3. Regular security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and remediating vulnerabilities. Keep abreast of the latest security updates and best practices to maintain a strong security posture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CVE-2024-23677 vulnerability in Splunk Enterprise poses a significant risk to affected organizations, allowing unauthorized individuals to access sensitive information stored in log files. By upgrading to the latest version of Splunk Enterprise and following security best practices, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and safeguard their sensitive data and systems.

Timeline

Published on: 01/22/2024 21:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 01/29/2024 17:52:50 UTC