Misconfigured Logging
TLDR: Misconfigured logging can expose sensitive application details, including credentials, API Endpoints, and error data. This vulnerability often leads to data leakage, unauthorized access, and aids attackers in reconnaissance. These risks arise from improper log sanitization, excessive verbosity, and weak access controls, violating several OWASP Top Ten principles, including secure Logging, Access Controls, and Error Handling.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Logging_and_Monitoring_Cheat_Sheet
Logging sensitive information, such as passwords, API tokens, or session identifiers, increases the risk of data leakage. Encrypting sensitive log fields and masking credentials during log generation comply with OWASP Top Ten's secure Data Encryption principles.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Data_Encryption
Overly verbose logging in production environments can expose internal application logic and structure. For example, detailed stack traces or database queries included in logs may reveal implementation details to attackers. Limiting verbosity in production logs aligns with OWASP Top Ten's focus on secure Error Handling.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Error_Handling
Improper Access Controls on log files can result in unauthorized access. For instance, attackers gaining access to unprotected logs could exploit sensitive information. Enforcing strict permissions and multi-factor authentication ensures compliance with OWASP Top Ten's Access Management standards.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Access_Control
Neglecting to sanitize user inputs before logging can allow attackers to inject malicious payloads, leading to code injection or log-based attacks. Applying input validation and sanitization before generating logs ensures compliance with OWASP Top Ten's Input Validation guidelines.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Input_Validation
Failing to implement rate-limiting on log generation can result in resource exhaustion during attack scenarios such as brute force or denial of service attacks. Enforcing logging quotas and throttling aligns with OWASP Top Ten's resource management principles.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Denial_of_Service
Improper handling of cross-domain errors in APIs can expose logs containing sensitive data to untrusted origins. Restricting CORS policies and sanitizing error responses prevents unauthorized access, complying with OWASP Top Ten's Policy Enforcement standards.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/CORS
Storing log files without encryption can lead to unauthorized access in case of a breach. Encrypting log files both at rest and in transit ensures compliance with OWASP Top Ten's Data Encryption and secure data handling standards.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Data_Encryption
Neglecting to review and segregate logging configurations between development and production environments can lead to exposing debug-level logs in production. Adopting environment-specific logging practices ensures alignment with OWASP Top Ten's operational best practices.
https://owasp.org/www-community/OWASP_Proactive_Controls
Failing to retain logs for an adequate duration or over-retaining them can hinder incident investigations or increase exposure risks. Implementing log retention policies aligned with organizational requirements ensures compliance with OWASP Top Ten recommendations.
https://owasp.org/www-community/Logging_and_Monitoring_Cheat_Sheet
Finally, not monitoring log files for anomalous activities undermines the effectiveness of logging as a security control. Implementing automated log analysis and alerting mechanisms aligns with OWASP Top Ten's focus on proactive monitoring and response.