Preface
In a recent turn of events, RedHunt Labs’ Attack Surface Management (ASM) research team uncovered a potentially disastrous data leak incident involving the automotive giant, Mercedes-Benz. This incident not only put the organization at risk but also raised alarms about the broader issue of data security.
Breaking Down the Breach: Overview
It all started during one of our internet scans where we identified a GitHub Token leaked by a Full Time Employee at Mercedez, in his GitHub Repository. The GitHub Token gave ‘unrestricted’ and ‘unmonitored’ access to the entire source code hosted at the Internal GitHub Enterprise Server.
The incident laid bare sensitive repositories housing a wealth of intellectual property, and the compromised information included Database Connection Strings, Cloud Access Keys, Blueprints, Design Documents, SSO Passwords, API Keys, and Other Critical internal information.
Decoding the Consequences: Impact Assessment
- Source Code and Data Exposure: An attacker could extract extensive intellectual property, including source code, reports, files, credentials, and API keys, from the Enterprise Code Server.
- Financial Consequences: The breach poses the risk of severe financial implications for Mercedes-Benz, ranging from data theft to potential exploitation of intellectual property, resulting in unforeseeable financial losses.
- Legal Violations: The incident potentially violates ‘Trade Secrets and Intellectual Property Laws,’ posing legal repercussions for Mercedes-Benz and the responsible party behind the breach.
- GDPR and German Laws Violation: If the source code contains customer data or credentials leading to customer data, the breach could infringe upon GDPR and German laws, such as Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (BDSG) or Datenschutz-Anpassungs- und Umsetzungsgesetz EU (DSAnpUG-EU).
- Reputational Damage: The exposure of sensitive information could tarnish Mercedes-Benz’s reputation, eroding trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Sequence of Incidents: The Timeline
- Date of Incident – Friday, 29th Sep 2023 21:37:17 +0800
The breach occurred, potentially compromising sensitive data. - Leak Discovery Date – Thursday, 11th Jan 2024
RedHunt Labs’ team ran a routine data leak scan across GitHub and identified the data leak, prompting further investigation. - Coordination Initiation with TechCrunch – Monday, 15th Jan 2024
- TechCrunch Disclosed to Mercedes – Monday, 22nd Jan 2024
- Mercedes Confirmed Leak & Token Revocation – Wednesday, 24th Jan 2024
Mercedes-Benz confirmed the leak, acknowledging the severity of the situation, and took immediate action by revoking the relevant API token. - Revalidation of the Leak Fix – Wednesday, 24th Jan 2024
RedHunt Labs Team verified that the token has been revoked and is no longer working. - Report Published – Monday, 29th Jan 2024
RedHunt Labs published a detailed report on the incident, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity measures
The Bottom Line: Conclusion
The leaked GitHub Token for Mercedes’s Github Enterprise Server opens a gateway for potential adversaries to access and download the entire source code of the organisation. Delving into this source code could expose highly sensitive credentials, creating a breeding ground for an extremely serious data breach against Mercedes-Benz.
The severity of this issue cannot be overstated, emphasizing the critical need for swift and comprehensive remediation efforts. We urgently request that Mercedes-Benz address and remediate this security risk as soon as possible and uphold its commitment to data privacy and security.
Seize Control – Let’s Take Action for a Safer Tomorrow
“Continuous Threat Exposure Monitoring is not just a best practice; it’s a necessity in today’s evolving threat landscape.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for Continuous Threat Exposure Discovery and External Attack Surface Monitoring in the cybersecurity arsenal of every organisation. Detecting such vulnerabilities is akin to finding a needle in a haystack, and RedHunt Labs’ ASM Platform, NVADR, played a pivotal role in identifying and mitigating this potential catastrophe.
Curious about how RedHunt Labs’ ASM Platform, NVADR, can elevate your cybersecurity strategy? Schedule a demo today and take the first step towards a more resilient and secure digital environment.