CVE-2009-4261 in Ganeti
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the iallocator framework in Ganeti 1.2.4 through 1.2.8, 2.0.0 through 2.0.4, and 2.1.0 before 2.1.0~rc2 allow (1) remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via a crafted external script name supplied through the HTTP remote API (RAPI) and allow (2) local users to execute arbitrary programs and gain privileges via a crafted external script name supplied through a gnt-* command, related to "path sanitization errors."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2025
The CVE-2009-4261 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Ganeti's iallocator framework, affecting versions ranging from 1.2.4 through 1.2.8, 2.0.0 through 2.0.4, and 2.1.0 prior to 2.1.0~rc2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate path sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input when processing external script names. The flaw exists at the intersection of web-based and command-line interfaces, creating a dual attack surface that spans both remote and local execution vectors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal attacks, making it a well-documented and serious security concern within the software security community.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the path resolution mechanism through crafted external script names that bypass normal input validation checks. When the system processes these malicious inputs through the HTTP remote API (RAPI) or gnt-* commands, the insufficient sanitization permits path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside of intended directories. This weakness enables attackers to access arbitrary files or execute programs in unintended locations, effectively breaking the application's security boundaries. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and sanitization practices, where the system trusts user-provided paths without adequate verification or normalization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to Ganeti cluster environments as it can be exploited remotely through the HTTP API or locally through command-line interactions. Remote exploitation via RAPI allows attackers to execute arbitrary programs on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise or privilege escalation. Local exploitation through gnt-* commands provides similar capabilities to local attackers who can leverage the vulnerability to gain elevated privileges or execute malicious code. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system persistence mechanisms, and further attack vector exploitation. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation, execution through valid accounts, and path traversal attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4261 should prioritize immediate version updates to patched releases of Ganeti, specifically targeting versions beyond 2.1.0~rc2 where the path sanitization issues have been resolved. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls at all entry points where external script names are processed, ensuring that all user-supplied paths undergo comprehensive sanitization and normalization before any processing occurs. Network segmentation and access controls should limit exposure of the RAPI interface to trusted networks only, while implementing proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect suspicious path traversal attempts, and regular security audits should verify that all input handling mechanisms properly sanitize user-provided data to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system architecture.