CVE-2024-8070 Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information

 Overview of CVE-2024-8070 and CWE-312

EVlink Home Smart and Schneider Charge

CVE-2024-8070 refers to a vulnerability categorized under CWE-312, which deals with the Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. This vulnerability exposes sensitive test credentials within the firmware binary of affected devices, posing significant security risks. The issue was published on October 13, 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing sensitive information in software environments.

Understanding CWE-312

CWE-312 describes a scenario where sensitive data is stored in an unencrypted format, making it accessible to unauthorized users. This vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and unauthorized access to systems. The primary concern is that if an attacker gains access to the storage where this information is kept, they can read, modify, or delete sensitive data

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Potential Impact

The implications of CWE-312 are profound:

• Data Breach: Attackers can easily obtain sensitive information such as passwords or tokens.
• Unauthorized Access: If credentials are compromised, attackers may gain unauthorized access to systems or accounts.
• Reputation Damage: Organizations may suffer reputational harm due to data breaches.

The CVSS score for vulnerabilities like this typically indicates a high severity level due to the ease of exploitation and the potential impact on confidentiality and integrity

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Examples of Cleartext Storage Vulnerabilities

Example 1: Mobile Applications

In mobile applications, sensitive information such as access tokens or user credentials may be stored in SQLite databases without encryption. For instance:

java
// BAD - Storing sensitive data in cleartext
FileWriter fw = new FileWriter("credentials.txt");
fw.write(username + ":" + password);
fw.close();

In this example, if an attacker gains access to the device, they can easily extract the credentials stored in credentials.txt

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Example 2: Web Applications

Web applications often face similar vulnerabilities. Consider the following JavaScript code snippet:

javascript
// BAD - Setting a cookie with cleartext sensitive data
app.get('/remember-password', function (req, res) {
    let pw = req.param("current_password");
    res.cookie("password", pw); // Vulnerable to exposure
});

This code stores user passwords in cookies without encryption, making them susceptible to theft if an attacker gains access to the user's machine

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Example 3: Firmware Vulnerability

The specific case of CVE-2024-8070 involves firmware binaries that contain hardcoded test credentials in cleartext. This could allow an attacker with access to the firmware image to extract these credentials easily. For example:

text
// Firmware binary contains:
username: admin
password: test123

If an attacker retrieves this binary, they can gain immediate access using these credentials

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Mitigation Strategies

To address vulnerabilities associated with CWE-312, several mitigation strategies should be employed:

1. Encryption: Always encrypt sensitive information before storing it. Use strong encryption algorithms and libraries.

   java
   // GOOD - Encrypting sensitive data before storage
   String encryptedPassword = encrypt(password);
   

2. Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to limit who can view or modify stored data.
3. Secure Coding Practices: Follow secure coding guidelines that emphasize avoiding hardcoded credentials and using secure storage mechanisms.
4. Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and remediate vulnerabilities early.
5. User Education: Educate users about the importance of security practices such as using strong passwords and recognizing phishing attempts.

Conclusion

CVE-2024-8070 exemplifies the critical need for secure handling of sensitive information within software applications. By understanding the implications of CWE-312 and implementing robust security measures, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of data breaches and maintain user trust.