CVE-2024-23686 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-532, which involves the insertion of sensitive information into log files. Specifically, DependencyCheck versions 9.0.0 through 9.0.6 for Maven, CLI, and Ant, when operated in debug mode, inadvertently log the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) API key. This API key is intended to authenticate and authorize access to the NVD service, which provides vulnerability data. The exposure occurs because debug logging captures and stores the API key in plaintext within log files. An attacker with access to these log files can retrieve the API key without requiring any privileges or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality by potentially allowing unauthorized use of the API key, which could lead to abuse such as exceeding API rate limits or unauthorized querying of vulnerability data. However, it does not affect the integrity or availability of the system. The vulnerability is present across multiple DependencyCheck interfaces (Maven plugin, CLI, and Ant) in the specified versions. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability was published on January 19, 2024, and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level.

For European organizations, especially those involved in software development and supply chain security, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of the NVD API key. Exposure of this key could allow attackers or unauthorized parties to access the NVD service under the organization's credentials, potentially leading to abuse such as automated scraping, exceeding API quotas, or gathering sensitive vulnerability data. While this does not directly compromise the organization's internal systems, it could degrade the reliability of their vulnerability management processes if API access is throttled or revoked due to misuse. Additionally, if attackers gain access to the API key, they might infer details about the organization's security posture or tooling. The risk is heightened in environments where debug logging is enabled in production or shared environments, and where log files are insufficiently protected. This could indirectly affect compliance with data protection regulations if sensitive operational data is exposed. The impact on confidentiality is moderate, with no direct impact on system integrity or availability.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately disable debug mode in DependencyCheck for Maven, CLI, and Ant unless it is strictly necessary for troubleshooting in a controlled environment. Access to log files must be tightly controlled using appropriate file system permissions and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should rotate the NVD API key if there is any suspicion of exposure. Additionally, consider implementing environment-specific logging configurations that exclude sensitive information from logs. Monitoring and alerting on unusual API usage patterns can help detect potential misuse of the API key. Finally, keep DependencyCheck updated and monitor for official patches or advisories addressing this vulnerability to apply fixes promptly once available.