CVE-2012-3460 in cumin
Summary
by MITRE
cumin: At installation postgresql database user created without password
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3460 affects the cumin configuration management tool and represents a critical security flaw in database user account provisioning. This issue occurs during the installation process where postgresql database users are created without proper password authentication, leaving the system exposed to unauthorized access attempts. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in automated deployment scripts that fail to implement mandatory authentication controls for database accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the installation routine failing to enforce password requirements when creating postgresql user accounts. This creates a scenario where database users exist without any credential protection mechanisms, making them immediately accessible to any attacker who can reach the database service. The root cause lies in the absence of proper validation and enforcement of authentication policies within the installation script, which typically operates with elevated privileges and creates database users as part of the system setup process. This type of flaw commonly falls under CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, as it creates accounts with insufficient authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive configuration data and system information managed through the cumin framework. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to managed systems, potentially escalating privileges and accessing additional resources within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the initial installation phase, meaning that systems may be left in a compromised state from the moment they are deployed. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it creates legitimate-looking accounts without proper authentication mechanisms, and T1046 Network Service Scanning, since attackers could easily discover and exploit these weak accounts.
Organizations implementing cumin should immediately address this vulnerability by ensuring that all database users created during installation are provisioned with strong, randomly generated passwords. The recommended mitigation involves modifying the installation scripts to enforce password requirements and implementing proper credential management processes. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all cumin-managed systems to identify any existing accounts created without passwords, and ensure that password policies are enforced through configuration management tools. Additionally, implementing automated monitoring for unauthorized database access attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices in deployment automation, including mandatory password requirements, proper privilege management, and adherence to the principle of least privilege when creating database accounts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security assessments to prevent similar issues in other automated deployment processes.