CVE-2023-4380 identifies a logic flaw in Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform version 2.4 running on RHEL 8, where private project creation attempts with incorrect credentials result in those credentials being logged in plaintext. This vulnerability arises because the platform fails to sanitize or mask sensitive authentication data before writing it to log files. An attacker with network access and low privileges can trigger this condition by attempting to create a private project with invalid credentials, causing the system to record these credentials verbatim in logs. The exposure of plaintext credentials in logs can lead to unauthorized access if an attacker gains access to these log files, compromising confidentiality. Furthermore, attackers could manipulate or delete logs to cover tracks, impacting integrity and availability of audit trails. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.3 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, required privileges, and no user interaction. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet. The vulnerability affects a critical automation platform widely used for configuration management and orchestration, making it a significant concern for environments relying on Ansible for operational continuity. The flaw underscores the importance of secure logging practices and credential handling in automation tools.

For European organizations, the exposure of plaintext credentials in logs can lead to unauthorized access to automation projects and potentially broader infrastructure if those credentials are reused or provide elevated privileges. This can result in data breaches, unauthorized configuration changes, and disruption of automated workflows, impacting business continuity. Given Ansible's role in managing critical infrastructure and applications, exploitation could cascade into service outages or compromise of sensitive data. The integrity of audit logs is also at risk, hindering forensic investigations and compliance efforts. Organizations in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face heightened risks of non-compliance and reputational damage. The medium severity suggests that while exploitation is feasible, it requires some level of access and knowledge, limiting widespread immediate impact but still demanding timely remediation.

Organizations should immediately audit existing log files for any sensitive credential exposure and restrict access to log storage locations to authorized personnel only. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on log management systems to detect unauthorized access attempts. Until a patch is released by Red Hat, consider disabling or limiting private project creation functionality or using alternative credential management methods that do not log sensitive data. Employ log redaction or filtering tools to sanitize logs proactively. Regularly update and patch the Ansible Automation Platform as vendor fixes become available. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege for users interacting with the platform to minimize the risk of exploitation. Conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize and report suspicious log entries or behavior. Finally, integrate anomaly detection systems to identify unusual access patterns to logs or automation projects.