Profile Configuration Exposure in OpenVPN Connect

CVE-2024-8474

What is CVE-2024-8474?

CVE-2024-8474 is a vulnerability found in OpenVPN Connect, a widely-used VPN client that enables secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections across a public or private network. This vulnerability arises from the logging of the configuration profile's clear-text private key in the application logs prior to version 3.5.0. If exploited, unauthorized individuals could access these logs and utilize the private key to decrypt VPN traffic, thereby exposing sensitive communications and undermining the effectiveness of the VPN's encryption.

Technical Details

The flaw specifically pertains to how OpenVPN Connect handles the logging of configuration profiles. In previous versions, sensitive information, particularly private keys, was inadvertently written to the application log in plain text. This oversight can enable unauthorized actors to gain access to this critical data through various means, such as improper log management or exploitation of log access vulnerabilities. The risk escalates in environments where logs are not adequately secured, making it easier for attackers to manipulate or access log information.

Potential Impact of CVE-2024-8474

1. Data Exposure: The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential exposure of sensitive data. With access to the private key, attackers can decrypt VPN traffic, gaining visibility into private communications, potentially leading to data breaches of confidential organizational information.

2. Increased Risk of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: If attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they could perform man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing them to intercept and modify communication between users and secure networks. This can further facilitate identity theft, data manipulation, or the deployment of malware within the network.

3. Trust and Compliance Issues: Organizations relying on OpenVPN Connect for secure communications may face trust issues if a breach occurs due to this vulnerability. This could result in reputational damage and challenges in meeting compliance regulations that mandate secure handling of sensitive information, leading to potential legal and financial repercussions.

News Articles

Cyber Security News

CVE-2024-8474

OpenVPN Connect Vulnerability Let Attackers Access Users’ Private Keys

A critical vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-8474, has been discovered in OpenVPN Connect, a popular VPN client software. This flaw could allow attackers to access users' private keys, potentially compromising the confidentiality of their VPN traffic.

2 days ago

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