CVE-2013-0174 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE
The external node classifier (ENC) API in Foreman before 1.1 allows remote attackers to obtain the hashed root password via an API request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0174 affects Foreman versions prior to 1.1, specifically targeting the External Node Classifier (ENC) API component. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication data to unauthorized remote actors. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the ENC API implementation, allowing attackers to craft specific API requests that reveal hashed root passwords stored within the system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper authentication and authorization mechanisms, where sensitive system information is accessible through publicly exposed endpoints without adequate verification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ENC API's failure to properly validate API requests and enforce access restrictions. When remote attackers submit crafted requests to the ENC endpoint, the system inadvertently returns password hash information instead of properly rejecting unauthorized access attempts. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor through which attackers can bypass normal authentication procedures and gain access to critical system credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as the hashed root password provides attackers with a foundation for further system compromise. While the password is hashed rather than plaintext, this still enables various attack vectors including offline password cracking attempts, credential reuse attacks against other systems, and potential privilege escalation within the Foreman environment. The exposure of system-level authentication data can lead to complete system takeover, especially if the hashing algorithm used is weak or if attackers can leverage the information in conjunction with other vulnerabilities. Organizations using affected Foreman versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their infrastructure management systems, potentially compromising the security of entire network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0174 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patch that addresses the access control flaw in the ENC API. Organizations should upgrade to Foreman version 1.1 or later, which includes proper authentication checks and access restrictions for the ENC endpoint. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the ENC API to only trusted administrative systems and users. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security audits to ensure no other similar vulnerabilities exist within their Foreman deployments, particularly focusing on API endpoint access controls. Regular monitoring of API access logs should be implemented to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts, while also ensuring that all authentication mechanisms are properly configured with appropriate security settings. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing comprehensive API security measures and demonstrates how seemingly minor access control oversights can result in significant security breaches.