CVE-2012-0435 in WebYaST
Summary
by MITRE
SUSE WebYaST before 1.2 0.2.63-0.6.1 allows remote attackers to modify the hosts list, and subsequently conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, via a crafted /host request on TCP port 4984.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0435 affects SUSE WebYaST versions prior to 1.2 0.2.63-0.6.1, representing a critical security flaw in the web-based system administration tool. This vulnerability exists within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the WebYaST framework, specifically targeting the handling of host management requests. The affected component operates on TCP port 4984, which serves as the primary communication channel for administrative functions within the SUSE management infrastructure. The flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate the hosts list through a specially crafted /host request, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the system's host management capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the WebYaST service. When a malicious actor sends a crafted request to the /host endpoint on port 4984, the system fails to properly verify the request's authenticity or authorization level. This weakness allows attackers to inject arbitrary host entries into the system's host list, effectively bypassing the normal access control mechanisms that should protect these critical configuration elements. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to implement proper cryptographic verification or session management for host modification requests, creating an exploitable path for remote code execution and unauthorized system access. This flaw aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant weakness in the authentication framework of the WebYaST application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple host list modification, creating a pathway for sophisticated man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise entire network infrastructures. Once an attacker successfully modifies the hosts list, they can position themselves as trusted nodes within the network, intercepting communications between legitimate hosts and management systems. This capability enables attackers to manipulate network traffic, steal sensitive information, or redirect system operations to malicious endpoints. The vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model of the SUSE WebYaST system, allowing unauthorized parties to establish false network positions that can persist indefinitely until manually detected and corrected. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the core administrative functions of system management, potentially enabling attackers to gain persistent access to network resources and escalate privileges within the managed environment.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0435 primarily involve upgrading to SUSE WebYaST version 1.2 0.2.63-0.6.1 or later, which includes proper authentication mechanisms and input validation for host management requests. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including firewall rules that restrict access to TCP port 4984 to trusted administrative networks only, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious /host request patterns. The solution addresses the underlying CWE-287 vulnerability by implementing proper authentication checks and cryptographic verification for all host modification operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general network traffic, following the principle of least privilege as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocols and T1566 for credential harvesting, indicating its potential for both network reconnaissance and privilege escalation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that similar authentication weaknesses do not exist in other components of the system architecture.