Spring Security PlaintextPasswordEncoder Authentication Vulnerability [CVE-2019-11272]

CVE Number – CVE-2019-11272

A vulnerability in Pivotal Software Spring Security could allow a local attacker to bypass authorization restrictions and gain unauthorized access on a targeted system. The vulnerability exists because the PlaintextPasswordEncoder of the affected software uses plain text passwords. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by attempting to authenticate using a password of null on the targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass authorization restrictions, which could be used to gain unauthorized access on the targeted system. Pivotal Software has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must attempt to authenticate using a password of null on the targeted system, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access to untrusted sources.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
  
  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.
  
  Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.
  
  Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.

Vendor Announcements

• Pivotal Software has released a vulnerability report at the following link: CVE-2019-11272

Fixed Software

• Pivotal Software has released a software update at the following link: Spring Security 4.2.13