CVE-2011-3871 in Puppet
Summary
by MITRE
Puppet 2.7.x before 2.7.5, 2.6.x before 2.6.11, and 0.25.x, when running in --edit mode, uses a predictable file name, which allows local users to run arbitrary Puppet code or trick a user into editing arbitrary files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3871 affects Puppet configuration management software versions 2.7.x before 2.7.5, 2.6.x before 2.6.11, and 0.25.x series when operating in --edit mode. This represents a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of the configuration management process. The issue stems from the predictable naming convention used by Puppet when creating temporary files during edit operations, creating a predictable attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to system configurations.
The technical flaw manifests in the way Puppet generates temporary file names when the --edit mode is activated. This mode allows administrators to modify Puppet manifests directly through an interactive editor, but the predictable naming scheme means that local attackers can anticipate the exact file paths that Puppet will use for temporary storage. This predictability enables attackers to create symbolic links or manipulate files in the temporary directory before Puppet attempts to access them, thereby allowing arbitrary code execution or unauthorized file modifications. The vulnerability operates at the file system level and directly impacts the security model of Puppet's configuration management capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and configuration manipulation. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary Puppet code within the context of the Puppet process, potentially gaining access to sensitive system information or modifying critical configuration files. Additionally, the ability to trick users into editing arbitrary files creates a social engineering vector that could be exploited in targeted attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Puppet is used for critical infrastructure management, as it undermines the trusted configuration management process that organizations rely upon for system integrity.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Puppet versions 2.7.5, 2.6.11, or later 0.25.x releases that address this predictable file naming issue. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in temporary directories and consider restricting access to Puppet's --edit mode to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation, and represents a significant concern for organizations following ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence techniques. Network segmentation and least privilege access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that temporary file handling practices meet current security standards and best practices.