CVE-2011-2647 in Kiwi
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Kiwi before 3.74.2, as used in SUSE Studio 1.1 before 1.1.4, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted archive name in the list of testdrive modified files.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2647 represents a critical security flaw within the Kiwi toolchain version prior to 3.74.2, which was specifically utilized in SUSE Studio 1.1 versions before 1.1.4. This issue manifests as an unspecified vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of archive names within the testdrive modified files list. The affected environment operates within the context of SUSE Studio's infrastructure where Kiwi serves as the core tool for creating and managing appliance images. The vulnerability exists in the processing logic that handles archive names during the testdrive modification process, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited from remote locations without requiring authentication.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Kiwi tool's handling of archive names. When SUSE Studio processes testdrive modifications, it accepts a list of files that includes archive names, and the vulnerability occurs during the parsing and execution phases of these archive names. Attackers can craft malicious archive names that contain specially formatted payloads or commands that bypass normal validation checks. This flaw typically involves path traversal techniques or command injection mechanisms that exploit how the system interprets and processes these archive identifiers, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized code on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application level and can be classified under CWE-78 as a failure to sanitize special elements, or potentially CWE-94 if it involves code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise entire appliance environments that rely on SUSE Studio's Kiwi functionality. Remote code execution in this context means attackers could potentially gain full control over the affected systems, install backdoors, modify system configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects organizations using SUSE Studio for creating custom appliance images, which are commonly deployed in enterprise environments, cloud infrastructure, or development pipelines. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to compromise the integrity of appliance builds, potentially affecting downstream systems that depend on these images. The attack surface is particularly concerning because appliance images often contain sensitive configurations, proprietary software, or system-level components that could be exploited for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2647 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 3.74.2 or later of Kiwi, and corresponding updates to SUSE Studio 1.1.4 or newer. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all archive names and file paths before processing, particularly focusing on removing or escaping special characters that could be interpreted as commands. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running affected versions of SUSE Studio. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns or attempts to submit malformed archive names. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and defensive measures should incorporate runtime application self-protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent such injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning processes that specifically target known Kiwi toolchain vulnerabilities and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds related to appliance building tools.