Prometheus Exposure Scanner

Prometheus is an open-source monitoring and alerting toolkit widely used by developers and IT professionals to collect and analyze metrics of systems and applications. It is commonly deployed within cloud environments, data centers, and in DevOps settings to enable seamless tracking of performance metrics. The software is integral for real-time data monitoring and alert generation, aiding teams in ensuring system health and efficiency. Prometheus's architecture allows for easy integration with many ecosystems, making it an adaptable choice for businesses of various scales. Its use in gathering system data converts operational metrics into actionable insights, supporting both diagnostics and improvement processes.

The vulnerability detected by this scanner indicates that Prometheus metrics, which should be secured, are exposed to unauthorized access. An exposure vulnerability arises when sensitive project data, accessible through Prometheus, is left unprotected or is unintentionally shared. This condition can lead to unauthorized users gaining insights into system performance metrics, potentially exploiting this data for malicious purposes. Monitoring and securing these endpoints are critical to maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability's detection aids in highlighting these issues, helping organizations address and secure exposed data.

The scanner targets the commonly used `metrics` and `api/metrics` endpoints, primarily seeking known metric indicators like `cpu_seconds_total` and `process_start_time_seconds`. The presence of these metrics in response, particularly with an HTTP 200 status, signals potential exposure. The detection circumvents strings such as `lvm_`, which are flagged to omit certain response types. Technical details exposed via these endpoints could include sensitive operational insights if not appropriately secured. Vulnerable configurations cause these endpoints to respond with comprehensive metric data that should be accessible only under controlled environments.

Exploitation of this vulnerability may result in potential exposure of sensitive system data, such as operation times or memory usage statistics. Attackers may leverage this information, translating it into refined tactics for further system attacks or security breaches. The exposed data could be used to profile applications or infrastructure, aiding in targeted reconnaissance efforts. Immediate risks also include unauthorized monitoring of live operational data, enabling attackers to predict and exploit system behavior. By adequately addressing exposure vulnerabilities, organizations can maintain a higher security posture and frustrate potential reconnaissance activities.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/prometheus/prometheus
• https://hackerone.com/reports/1026196