CVE-2013-0163 in haproxy cartridge
Summary
by MITRE
OpenShift haproxy cartridge: predictable /tmp in set-proxy connection hook which could facilitate DoS
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0163 affects the OpenShift platform's haproxy cartridge implementation, specifically within the set-proxy connection hook mechanism. This issue resides in the temporary file handling process where the system generates predictable temporary file paths in the /tmp directory during proxy configuration operations. The predictable nature of these temporary file locations creates a significant security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt service availability.
The technical flaw stems from the improper generation of temporary file names within the /tmp directory during the haproxy cartridge's connection hook execution. When the set-proxy hook runs, it creates temporary files using predictable naming conventions that do not incorporate sufficient entropy or randomization elements. This predictable pattern allows attackers to anticipate the location and name of temporary files that will be created during the proxy setup process, enabling them to manipulate or interfere with these files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or data compromise. The most significant risk involves denial of service conditions that can severely impact application availability and system stability. An attacker who can predict temporary file locations can potentially create symbolic links or overwrite existing files in the /tmp directory, leading to cascading failures in the haproxy cartridge's operation. This manipulation can cause the proxy service to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering applications hosted on the OpenShift platform unavailable to legitimate users.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security contexts, and demonstrates how predictable temporary file generation can create attack vectors for service disruption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to privilege escalation and denial of service techniques, as attackers can leverage the predictable temporary file paths to gain control over system resources and disrupt service availability. The attack surface is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments like OpenShift where multiple applications share the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper randomization in temporary file generation processes and ensuring that all temporary file operations use secure temporary directories with appropriate access controls. The haproxy cartridge implementation should be updated to use cryptographically secure random number generators when creating temporary file names, and the system should avoid predictable patterns in file naming conventions. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and access controls for the /tmp directory can help prevent unauthorized manipulation of temporary files. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual temporary file creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.