CVE-2011-4596 in Compute
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in OpenStack Nova before 2011.3.1, when the EC2 API and the S3/RegisterImage image-registration method are enabled, allow remote authenticated users to overwrite arbitrary files via a crafted (1) tarball or (2) manifest.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2011-4596 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in OpenStack Nova versions prior to 2011.3.1 that specifically affects systems utilizing the EC2 API and S3/RegisterImage image registration functionality. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the image registration process, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate file system operations beyond intended boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when users submit specially crafted tarball or manifest files through the EC2-compatible API interface, allowing them to traverse directory structures and potentially overwrite critical system files or inject malicious content into arbitrary locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file paths during image registration operations, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into file system operations without adequate sanitization or validation. When the S3/RegisterImage method processes incoming image metadata, the system fails to properly validate or canonicalize file paths contained within the tarball or manifest files, enabling attackers to include directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar constructs. This flaw falls under the CWE-22 category of Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The vulnerability's exploitation requires authentication, making it a privilege escalation issue rather than a simple remote code execution vector, though it still presents significant operational risks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4596 extends beyond simple file overwrites, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data corruption, or service disruption within OpenStack environments. Attackers could potentially overwrite critical system binaries, configuration files, or database files, leading to system instability or unauthorized access to cloud resources. The vulnerability affects the core image management functionality of Nova, which is fundamental to cloud computing operations, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments where image registration is a common administrative task. This weakness could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the cloud infrastructure, compromise other virtual machines, or gain persistent access to the underlying cloud platform. The impact is further amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects the EC2 API compatibility layer, meaning that organizations using cloud-native applications or those migrating from AWS environments would be particularly at risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4596 primarily involve upgrading to OpenStack Nova version 2011.3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and least-privilege principles for users with image registration capabilities, limiting the potential impact of authenticated exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring of EC2 API endpoints can help detect suspicious file registration activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in cloud infrastructure components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code through compromised image files. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities in other cloud components and third-party applications that may be running in the same environment.