CVE-2018-11409 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Splunk through version 7.0.1 is vulnerable to information disclosure, allowing attackers to reveal sensitive data by manipulating queries.

Understanding CVE-2018-11409

In June 2018, CVE-2018-11409 was published, highlighting a security flaw in Splunk versions up to 7.0.1 that could lead to the exposure of confidential information.

What is CVE-2018-11409?

The vulnerability in Splunk allows attackers to access sensitive data by appending specific strings to a query, potentially exposing information like license keys.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11409

This vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to critical data, leading to potential misuse or exposure of sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11409

CVE-2018-11409 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

In versions up to 7.0.1, Splunk is susceptible to information disclosure through a specific query manipulation technique, enabling attackers to extract sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Splunk
Versions affected: Up to 7.0.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by adding '__raw/services/server/info/server-info?output_mode=json' to a query, allowing them to extract confidential information such as license keys.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11409 and enhance security measures, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Splunk to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor and review query outputs for any suspicious activity.
Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized data access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
Provide security awareness training to users to prevent inadvertent data exposure.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates to Splunk to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.