Git Credentials Exposure in JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA Log

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA versions before 2026.1.5 storing git credentials in plaintext within the IDE log files. This exposes sensitive authentication information that could be accessed by unauthorized parties.

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Detection Guidance

Check IDE log files for plaintext git credentials. Search logs for terms like 'password', 'token', or 'credential'. Use commands like 'grep -r "password" ~/.config/JetBrains/IntelliJIdea*/log' or 'find / -type f -name "idea*.log" -exec grep -l "password" {} \;'.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker with access to the log files could retrieve your git credentials, potentially gaining unauthorized access to your repositories or other systems using the same credentials. This could lead to data breaches or unauthorized code changes.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability may violate compliance requirements that mandate protection of credentials and sensitive data. GDPR requires protection of personal data, while HIPAA requires safeguarding of protected health information. Plaintext credential storage could lead to non-compliance.

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Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade to JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA 2026.1.5 or later. Rotate any exposed git credentials. Review and secure log files containing sensitive data.

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