CVE-2012-3366 in bcfg2
Summary
by MITRE
The Trigger plugin in bcfg2 1.2.x before 1.2.3 allows remote attackers with root access to the client to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the UUID field to the server process (bcfg2-server).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3366 affects the Trigger plugin within bcfg2 version 1.2.x prior to 1.2.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This issue resides in the bcfg2 server process where it processes data from client systems, particularly focusing on the UUID field handling mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only root access on the client system to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who have already compromised a client machine. The flaw demonstrates a classic command injection vulnerability where shell metacharacters within the UUID field are not properly sanitized before being processed by the server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-78, which specifically addresses Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Execution, a well-documented weakness in software security. The bcfg2 system is designed as a configuration management tool that helps administrators maintain consistent system configurations across networks, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access to network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted UUID field containing shell metacharacters is sent to the bcfg2-server process. The server processes this data without adequate input validation or sanitization, allowing the attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are then executed with the privileges of the bcfg2-server process. This command injection mechanism operates at the operating system level, enabling attackers to execute any command available on the system where bcfg2-server is running. The vulnerability specifically affects the Trigger plugin, which is designed to execute specific actions based on configuration events, but the improper handling of UUID data creates an unintended execution path. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or perform other malicious activities on the compromised system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges on the client side, as the attacker only needs root access to the client machine to craft and send the malicious UUID data. This represents a privilege escalation scenario where local root access on a client system can be leveraged to execute arbitrary commands on the central bcfg2 server, potentially compromising the entire configuration management infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3366 extends far beyond simple command execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of the bcfg2 configuration management system. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the bcfg2-server with the privileges of that service, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage system configurations. This access can enable attackers to modify configuration files, inject malicious code into system configurations, or even establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of bcfg2, which relies on trusted configuration data from clients to maintain system integrity across the network. The attack scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically shell scripting, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where bcfg2 is used for large-scale system management. Organizations using bcfg2 in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3366 should focus on immediate patching of affected bcfg2 installations to version 1.2.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper UUID field validation and sanitization. Administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the bcfg2 server and restrict client communication to trusted sources only. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual command execution patterns on the bcfg2 server and implementing strict input validation at all levels of the system. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in security design, as the flaw could have been prevented by implementing proper data validation mechanisms in the Trigger plugin. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious UUID data patterns and establish comprehensive incident response procedures for dealing with potential exploitation of this type of vulnerability. Regular security assessments of configuration management systems are essential to identify similar flaws that could provide attackers with unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The fix for this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-sensitive applications, as the issue was resolved through enhanced sanitization of data fields before processing.