1. Introduction
HP ArcSight Logger is a security information and event management (SIEM) tool hosted on remote HTTP servers. Its presence can indicate an unnecessary exposure point for log data, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This vulnerability represents a low-severity risk primarily impacting confidentiality if the logger is publicly accessible.
2. Technical Explanation
The root cause of this issue is the installation of HP ArcSight Logger on a standard HTTP server instead of a more secure application layer protocol like HTTPS. An attacker could exploit this by directly accessing the HTTP interface to view or manage collected log data, potentially gaining access to sensitive information contained within those logs. There is no CVE associated with this specific detection; it’s an identification of a configuration issue.
- Root cause: HP ArcSight Logger installed on HTTP instead of HTTPS.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker accesses the HTTP server hosting the logger to view or manage log data. For example, they could attempt default credentials or known vulnerabilities in the ArcSight Logger web interface.
- Scope: Systems running HP ArcSight Logger accessible via HTTP.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming whether a system is vulnerable involves identifying if the ArcSight Logger install is exposed over HTTP. A quick check can be performed using a web browser, while thorough assessment requires port scanning.
- Quick checks: Access the server’s IP address in a web browser. If the ArcSight Logger login page appears over HTTP (port 80), it indicates vulnerability.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 345cf52 can identify this issue. Other scanners may have similar plugins for detecting exposed ArcSight Logger instances.
- Logs and evidence: Web server logs might show access attempts to the ArcSight Logger interface (e.g., /arcsight/login.jsp).
curl -I http://{target_ip}4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The recommended solution is to uninstall HP ArcSight Logger if it’s not actively used. If the software *is* in use, migrate it to a secure HTTPS configuration.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: Ensure no other applications rely on ArcSight Logger’s functionality. Roll back plan: Restore the backup if uninstallation causes issues, or revert configuration changes if migrating to HTTPS.
- Change window needs: Coordinate downtime with relevant teams if required. Approval from security team is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Uninstall HP ArcSight Logger through the Windows Control Panel (Programs and Features).
- Step 2: Verify uninstallation by checking for remaining files or services associated with ArcSight Logger.
- Step 3: If retaining ArcSight Logger, reconfigure it to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. This typically involves updating configuration files and restarting the service.
4.3 Config or Code Example
This example shows the difference between an insecure HTTP configuration and a secure HTTPS configuration.
Before
# ArcSight Logger configured to listen on port 80 (HTTP)
...
server_port = 80
...
After
# ArcSight Logger configured to listen on port 443 (HTTPS)
...
server_port = 443
ssl_enabled = true
ssl_certificate_path = /path/to/your/certificate.pem
ssl_key_path = /path/to/your/private_key.pem
...
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this issue.
- Least privilege: Limit access to sensitive log data by restricting user permissions within ArcSight Logger.
- Secure defaults: Ensure new installations use HTTPS by default, or enforce it through configuration management.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not generally suitable for this specific issue due to the need for manual verification and potential service disruption.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that ArcSight Logger is no longer accessible over HTTP, or that it’s now configured to use HTTPS.
- Post-fix check: Access the server’s IP address in a web browser; it should either redirect to HTTPS or display an error if uninstalled.
- Re-test: Re-run the quick check from Section 3 (accessing the server via HTTP) to confirm that the ArcSight Logger interface is no longer accessible.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any unexpected access attempts to port 80 related to ArcSight Logger.
curl -I https://{target_ip}6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Preventive measures include regular security baselines and configuration reviews.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline to require HTTPS for all web applications, including SIEM tools like ArcSight Logger.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review installed software and ensure unnecessary services are removed.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Uninstalling ArcSight Logger could disrupt log collection and reporting if it’s actively used. Migrating to HTTPS requires careful configuration to avoid service outages.
- Roll back: Restore the backup created in Step 4.1 if uninstallation causes issues, or revert the configuration changes made during HTTPS migration.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?d345cf52
- NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable, as this is a configuration issue.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to HP ArcSight Logger documentation for HTTPS configuration instructions.