CVE-2024-22464 is a vulnerability identified in Dell EMC AppSync versions 4.2.0.0 through 4.6.0.0, including all service pack releases. The issue is classified under CWE-532, which pertains to the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Specifically, the AppSync server logs inadvertently record sensitive user credentials, exposing them to unauthorized access. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker who already possesses high-level privileges on the system. By leveraging this flaw, the attacker can extract sensitive credentials from the logs, potentially escalating their access or moving laterally within the network using the compromised account details. The vulnerability arises from improper handling and sanitization of sensitive data before logging, which violates secure coding practices related to information exposure. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the risk remains significant due to the nature of the information exposed and the potential for privilege escalation. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have high privileges initially, indicating that it is not a remote unauthenticated exploit but rather a risk in environments where privileged access is already compromised or granted. No official patches or updates have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps by affected organizations.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive credentials through AppSync logs can lead to severe security breaches. Compromised credentials may allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical backup and data management systems, potentially leading to data theft, data loss, or disruption of business continuity. Given that AppSync is used for data protection and replication, unauthorized access could also facilitate ransomware attacks or sabotage of backup data, undermining recovery efforts. The impact extends to confidentiality, as sensitive user credentials are exposed; integrity, as attackers could manipulate backup configurations or data; and availability, if attackers disrupt backup operations. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face heightened risks of regulatory non-compliance and reputational damage if such breaches occur. The vulnerability's requirement for high privileges means that insider threats or attackers who have already compromised privileged accounts pose the greatest risk. This elevates the importance of monitoring privileged access and securing log files to prevent credential leakage.

1. Immediate review and restriction of access to AppSync server logs to minimize exposure of sensitive information. 2. Implement strict log management policies, including encryption of log files and access controls limiting log access to essential personnel only. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of privileged accounts and monitor for unusual access patterns or attempts to access log files. 4. Apply principle of least privilege to reduce the number of users with high-level access to AppSync systems. 5. Until official patches are released, consider disabling or limiting logging of sensitive operations in AppSync where feasible, or sanitize logs to remove sensitive data. 6. Employ network segmentation to isolate AppSync servers from less secure network zones, reducing the risk of lateral movement. 7. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged accounts to reduce the risk of credential misuse. 8. Continuously monitor for indicators of compromise related to credential theft and unauthorized access. 9. Engage with Dell support channels to obtain updates on patches or workarounds as they become available.