Cisco Smart License Utility: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File
CVE-2024-20440 is a high-severity insertion of sensitive information into log file vulnerability in Cisco Smart License Utility from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Smart License Utility versions: 2.1.0; 2.0.0; 2.2.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 51.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 1.03% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco Smart License Utility you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Smart License Utility | 2.1.0; 2.0.0; 2.2.0 | Not stated |
| Cisco | Smart License Utility | 2.0.0; 2.1.0; 2.2.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in Cisco Smart Licensing Utility could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access sensitive information. This vulnerability is due to excessive verbosity in a debug log file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to obtain log files that contain sensitive data, including credentials that can be used to access the API.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File
The product writes sensitive information to a log file.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider seriously the sensitivity of the information written into log files. Do not write secrets into the log files.
- Remove debug log files before deploying the application into production.
- Protect log files against unauthorized read/write.
More Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File vulnerabilities (CWE-532)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Smart License Utility
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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