Microsoft Azure WALinuxAgent Information Disclosure Vulnerability [CVE-2019-0804]

CVE Number – CVE-2019-0804

A vulnerability in the WALinuxAgent component of Microsoft Azure could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to access sensitive information on a targeted system.

The vulnerability exists because the affected software creates swap files improperly. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending requests that submit malicious input to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive information in swap. The information accessed could be used to launch additional attacks. 

Microsoft has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must submit malicious requests to the affected software, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access to internal resources.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
  
  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
  
  Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.
  
  Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
  
  Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
  
  Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.

Vendor Announcements

• Microsoft has released detailed information at the following link: CVE-2019-0804 | Azure Linux Agent Information Disclosure Vulnerability

Fixed Software

• Microsoft customers can obtain updates directly by using the links in the Microsoft Security Update Guide. These updates are also distributed by Windows automatic update features and are available from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server, and System Center Configuration Manager can assist administrators in deploying software updates.