CVE-2023-32483 - Sensitive Information Disclosure in Wyse Management Suite <4. Explained

Published: June 2024
Severity: Medium
Affected Product: Wyse Management Suite (WMS) versions prior to 4.
CVE Reference: CVE-2023-32483
Dell Disclosure: Dell Security Advisory DSA-2023-XYZ *(example reference)*

What is CVE-2023-32483?

CVE-2023-32483 is a security flaw found in Dell’s Wyse Management Suite versions before 4.. This vulnerability can allow an authenticated attacker, with access to the system where WMS is running, to read sensitive information from log files. In simpler terms: If someone with valid login credentials can access the server’s filesystem, they may grab secret info logged by the application—stuff that should not be out in the open.

Impact: Sensitive information disclosure (such as passwords, tokens, configuration)

- Access Required: Must be logged in (not remote/external attacker)

How Does the Vulnerability Work?

Like many enterprise products, Wyse Management Suite keeps logs of its actions—things like system operations, errors, connections, admin changes, and configuration activities. If not careful, developers sometimes write down too much information into these logs, including sensitive data (think usernames, passwords, session tokens, or private configuration keys).

In affected WMS versions, logs (like system.log, config.log, or even audit.log) may capture plaintext details during:

_Example log snippet (fictional for demonstration):_

2023-02-25 08:22:01,892 [INFO] User 'admin' changed password for device WYSE-501.
New password: WysePass2023!
-- snip --
2023-02-25 08:22:37,410 [DEBUG] Generated API token: eyJhbGciOiJIUzUxMi...

- Reuse API tokens to impersonate users/devices

Step 1: Gain Access

The attacker must be an authenticated user on the Wyse Management Suite host—could be a junior admin, tech support, or someone masquerading as one.

*Assume the system is using Windows Server or Linux.*

WMS stores logs in a known directory (by default)

- On Linux: /opt/wyse/wms/logs/

Step 3: Search for Sensitive Content

The attacker can scan log files using search utilities.

Example bash command (Linux)

grep -i 'password\|token' /opt/wyse/wms/logs/*.log

Or on Windows (using PowerShell)

Select-String -Path "C:\Program Files\Wyse\WMS\logs\*.log" -Pattern "password|token|secret"

Step 4: Extract and Use the Data

The attacker can now use any passwords, tokens, or secrets found to access further assets or move laterally in the network.

Real-World Impact Example

Suppose the IT helpdesk user resets a thin client’s password for a remote branch. The new password is logged in plaintext due to verbose logging:

2023-03-15 12:01:06 [INFO] Password for DEVICE-101 reset by helpdesk. New password: Welcome2023#

A local attacker reads this log file, then uses these credentials to access thin clients or even escalate to higher privileges.

Protection & Mitigation Steps

1. Update Wyse Management Suite
Patch immediately to version 4. or higher. Dell addressed logging behaviors in this release.

2. Secure Log File Access
- Limit access to log directories/files via OS permissions.

Regularly audit who can read or modify logs.

3. Sanitize Logging Practices

Use logging libraries with redaction features.

4. Rotate Logs/Secrets Hassle-Free
- Ensure log files are rotated and old logs deleted/shredded.

Reference Links

- NVD: CVE-2023-32483 Details
- Dell Official Advisory (Example)
- Wyse Management Suite Release Notes (4.)
- Secure Logging Best Practices - OWASP

Conclusion

CVE-2023-32483 is a classic example of how oversharing in application logs can backfire, exposing critical data to anyone with file access—sometimes even fellow admins or support staff. Make updating to WMS 4.+ a top priority, and always keep sensitive info *out* of logs!

Timeline

Published on: 07/20/2023 12:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 07/26/2023 21:16:00 UTC