VW Data Problem: Uncovering the Flaw in the System
Security researcher Flüpke recently discovered a data problem within Volkswagen (VW) that could have significant implications for the company’s internal security. The issue was uncovered by combining various coding tools, including Subfinder, GoBuster, and Spring.
How the Vulnerability was Exploited
By using these tools, Flüpke was able to retrieve a heap dump from the VW internal environment, which is a file that lists various objects within a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This information is typically used for monitoring performance metrics and introspection examinations, but it also revealed that the heap dump was not password-protected.
The Discovery of Active AWS Credentials
Within the heap dump, Flüpke found various active AWS credentials listed in plain text. This was a significant finding, as these credentials could be used to gain unauthorized access to VW’s systems and data.
VW’s Response to the Discovery
When confronted with the discovery, VW responded by stating that the access to the data occurred in a “very complex, multilayered process.” While this may be true, Flüpke noted that the backend system is not intended for end-users and is instead used for token exchange. He also pointed out that an arbitrary user ID can be used to generate a JWT token, which can be used to authenticate without a password.
The Implications of this Vulnerability
The discovery of this vulnerability raises serious concerns about the security of VW’s internal systems and data. The fact that active AWS credentials were listed in plain text and could be accessed without a password is a significant issue. Furthermore, the ability to generate a JWT token without a password raises questions about the security of VW’s authentication processes.
Conclusion
The discovery of this vulnerability serves as a wake-up call for companies to re-evaluate their internal security measures. It is crucial to ensure that sensitive data is properly protected and that access to systems is restricted to authorized personnel only.
FAQs
Q: What was the vulnerability discovered in VW’s system?
A: The vulnerability was a lack of password protection on a heap dump, which contained active AWS credentials.
Q: How did the vulnerability occur?
A: The vulnerability occurred due to the combination of various coding tools, including Subfinder, GoBuster, and Spring, which allowed the researcher to retrieve the heap dump.
Q: What are the implications of this vulnerability?
A: The vulnerability has serious implications for the security of VW’s internal systems and data, as it potentially allows unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Q: How does VW respond to the discovery?
A: VW responded by stating that the access to the data occurred in a “very complex, multilayered process.”
