CVE-2011-4952 in Cobbler
Summary
by MITRE
cobbler: Web interface lacks CSRF protection when using Django framework
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4952 affects the cobbler system management platform, specifically targeting its web interface implementation that utilizes the Django framework. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of user sessions and authorization mechanisms within the cobbler environment. The vulnerability stems from the absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection measures in the web interface components that are built using Django's web framework architecture.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing CSRF token validation mechanism within the Django-based web interface of cobbler. When users interact with the cobbler web management interface, their requests are not properly validated against CSRF protection measures that would normally be implemented in Django applications. This omission allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can be executed on behalf of authenticated users without their knowledge or consent. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web interface functionality where users perform administrative operations such as creating, modifying, or deleting system configurations through the Django-powered web frontend.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant and far-reaching within cobbler environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability could perform unauthorized administrative actions on behalf of legitimate users with elevated privileges. This includes creating new system entries, modifying existing configurations, deleting critical infrastructure data, or potentially gaining unauthorized access to managed systems. The attack vector typically involves tricking a logged-in user into visiting a malicious website or clicking on a compromised link that automatically submits requests to the cobbler web interface, thereby executing unauthorized operations without the user's awareness. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete compromise of the system management infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4952 involve implementing proper CSRF protection mechanisms within the Django framework components of cobbler. The recommended approach includes enabling Django's built-in CSRF middleware and ensuring that all forms and POST requests in the web interface include proper CSRF tokens. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as enforcing secure session management practices, implementing proper input validation, and ensuring that the web interface operates with the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through web applications. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to address similar vulnerabilities in web frameworks and ensure that all Django applications maintain proper CSRF protection mechanisms.