CVE-2024-8775
ansible-core: Exposure of Sensitive Information in Ansible Vault Files Due to Improper Logging
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · September 13, 2024
Updated · September 18, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Ansible, where sensitive information stored in Ansible Vault files can be exposed in plaintext during the execution of a playbook. This occurs when using tasks such as include_vars to load vaulted variables without setting the no_log: true parameter, resulting in sensitive data being printed in the playbook output or logs. This can lead to the unintentional disclosure of secrets like passwords or API keys, compromising security and potentially allowing unauthorized access or actions.
Statement
This issue is classified as moderate rather than important because while it does expose sensitive information during playbook execution, the exposure is limited to logs and output generated during the run, which is typically accessible only to authorized users with sufficient privileges. The flaw does not result in an immediate or direct compromise of systems, as no remote exploitation vector is introduced. Additionally, the risk can be mitigated through proper configuration (no_log: true) and access control measures, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to the logged data. However, the unintentional disclosure of secrets like passwords or API keys still presents a potential risk for privilege escalation or lateral movement within an environment, justifying a moderate severity rating.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 5.5CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
CWE-532 · Insertion of Sensitive Information into Log File