CVE-2024-3716 is a vulnerability identified in the foreman-installer tool, specifically when the puppet-candlepin component is invoked with the --password parameter. The issue arises because the password is passed as a command line argument, which is visible in the process list (e.g., via commands like ps or top). This exposure allows any local user with the ability to view running processes to read the password in clear text, thereby compromising sensitive credentials. The vulnerability does not require any prior authentication or user interaction, but it does require local access to the affected system. The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.2 (medium severity), reflecting high confidentiality impact but no impact on integrity or availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component and does not propagate to other components. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the exposure of passwords in process lists is a well-known security risk that can lead to unauthorized access and further compromise. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations using foreman-installer and puppet-candlepin in their infrastructure management, especially in environments where multiple users have local system access or where systems are shared or multi-tenant.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to confidentiality of sensitive credentials used in infrastructure management. If an attacker gains local access to a system running foreman-installer with puppet-candlepin, they can easily extract passwords from the process list, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical systems or services managed by these credentials. This could result in lateral movement within networks, data breaches, or further compromise of IT infrastructure. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as finance, healthcare, and government are particularly at risk due to the potential exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, but the compromise of credentials can indirectly lead to more severe attacks. Since the attack requires local access, the impact is higher in environments where local user access controls are weak or where systems are shared among multiple users. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers could develop exploits given the straightforward nature of the vulnerability.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3716, organizations should avoid passing passwords via command line parameters, as these are visible in process listings. Instead, use more secure methods such as environment variables, configuration files with restricted permissions, or secure credential stores. Restrict local user access to only trusted personnel and enforce strict access controls and user permissions on systems running foreman-installer and puppet-candlepin. Regularly monitor running processes for suspicious command line arguments that may expose sensitive information. Implement system auditing and logging to detect unauthorized local access attempts. If possible, update foreman-installer and puppet-candlepin to versions where this issue is fixed or apply vendor-provided patches once available. Additionally, consider isolating critical infrastructure management tools on dedicated systems with minimal user access. Educate system administrators and users about the risks of exposing passwords in process lists and enforce policies against insecure credential handling practices.