CVE-2025-52490 is a vulnerability identified in Couchbase Sync Gateway versions prior to 3.2.6. The issue involves the logging mechanism within the application, specifically in the files sgcollect_info_options.log and sync_gateway.log. These logs contain cleartext passwords, both in redacted and unredacted forms. This means that sensitive authentication credentials are exposed in plaintext within log files that may be accessible to system administrators, support personnel, or potentially unauthorized users if log access controls are insufficient. The presence of cleartext passwords in logs significantly increases the risk of credential leakage, which can lead to unauthorized access to the Couchbase Sync Gateway or connected backend systems. Since the vulnerability relates to information disclosure through logging, it does not require exploitation of a remote code execution flaw but rather depends on access to log files. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality of credentials and could facilitate further attacks if an adversary gains access to these logs. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, and there are no known exploits in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in July 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patch links are provided, but the issue is fixed in version 3.2.6 and later, implying that upgrading is the primary remediation step.

For European organizations using Couchbase Sync Gateway, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to credential confidentiality. If attackers or unauthorized insiders gain access to the affected log files, they could retrieve plaintext passwords, enabling lateral movement within the network or unauthorized data access. This could lead to data breaches, loss of data integrity, and potential disruption of services relying on Couchbase Sync Gateway. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, could face compliance violations and reputational damage if sensitive credentials are exposed. Additionally, since Couchbase Sync Gateway is often used in distributed and mobile synchronization scenarios, compromised credentials could affect multiple connected devices and systems, amplifying the impact. The lack of authentication or user interaction required to exploit this vulnerability (beyond access to logs) increases the risk, especially if log file permissions are misconfigured or if logs are transmitted insecurely. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability or integrity but indirectly threatens these through potential unauthorized access.

European organizations should immediately upgrade Couchbase Sync Gateway to version 3.2.6 or later, where this vulnerability is addressed. Until upgrading is possible, organizations must audit and restrict access permissions to log files (sgcollect_info_options.log and sync_gateway.log) to the minimum necessary personnel only. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems storing these logs to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider encrypting log files at rest and in transit to prevent interception. Review and sanitize logs regularly to remove sensitive information where feasible. Implement centralized log management solutions with role-based access controls to limit exposure. Conduct internal audits to ensure that logging configurations do not inadvertently expose sensitive data. Finally, update incident response plans to include procedures for credential exposure scenarios and enforce credential rotation policies to mitigate risks from potential leaks.