CVE-2018-16876 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-16876 was published on January 3, 2019, by Red Hat. It affects Ansible versions before 2.5.14, 2.6.11, and 2.7.5, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive information. The vulnerability arises when using the vvv+ mode with no_log enabled, which could result in the exposure of confidential data.

Understanding CVE-2018-16876

This CVE involves an information disclosure flaw in Ansible that can allow sensitive data leakage.

What is CVE-2018-16876?

Ansible versions prior to 2.5.14, 2.6.11, and 2.7.5 are susceptible to a vulnerability that enables the disclosure of confidential information.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16876

The vulnerability in CVE-2018-16876 can lead to the exposure of sensitive data when utilizing the vvv+ mode with no_log enabled.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16876

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Ansible allows for the disclosure of sensitive information, potentially resulting in the exposure of confidential data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ansible
Vendor: Red Hat
Vulnerable Versions:
Before 2.5.14
Before 2.6.11
Before 2.7.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited when using the vvv+ mode with no_log enabled, allowing attackers to access sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-16876, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Ansible to versions 2.5.14, 2.6.11, or 2.7.5 or later.
Disable the vvv+ mode with no_log enabled to prevent data exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for Ansible security advisories and updates.
Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential damage from vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Red Hat to fix the vulnerability.