CVE-2010-2235 in Cobbler
Summary
by MITRE
template_api.py in Cobbler before 2.0.7, as used in Red Hat Network Satellite Server and other products, does not disable the ability of the Cheetah template engine to execute Python statements contained in templates, which allows remote authenticated administrators to execute arbitrary code via a crafted kickstart template file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-6954.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2235 resides within the template_api.py component of Cobbler versions prior to 2.0.7, affecting Red Hat Network Satellite Server and related products. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from improper template engine configuration, specifically within the Cheetah templating system. The vulnerability allows authenticated administrators to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code through maliciously crafted kickstart template files, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors within trusted administrative environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the Cheetah template engine's default behavior of permitting Python statement execution within templates. In Cobbler versions before 2.0.7, this functionality remained enabled despite the security implications, creating a dangerous configuration where template files could contain executable Python code. When an authenticated administrator processes a specially crafted kickstart template, the Cheetah engine executes embedded Python statements with the privileges of the Cobbler service account, potentially enabling full system compromise. This flaw operates under CWE-94, which classifies the issue as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to the execution of untrusted code through template processing mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2235 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete system control. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, it can be exploited by compromised administrator accounts or through social engineering tactics that gain administrative credentials. The attack vector specifically targets kickstart template processing, which are commonly used in automated system provisioning and deployment scenarios. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Cobbler is used for large-scale system management, as a single compromised administrative account could lead to widespread system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the principle of least privilege violation and represents a critical failure in template engine security configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2235 require immediate patching of Cobbler installations to version 2.0.7 or later, which properly disables the dangerous template execution capabilities. Organizations should also implement strict template validation procedures and establish comprehensive monitoring for suspicious template modifications. Security controls should include regular auditing of template files, implementation of template access controls, and enforcement of principle of least privilege for administrative accounts. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized template modifications and execution attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python," and represents a classic example of how template injection vulnerabilities can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution in system management platforms.