CVE-2013-0210 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE
The smart proxy Puppet run API in Foreman before 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via vectors related to escaping and Puppet commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0210 resides within the smart proxy Puppet run API functionality of Foreman versions prior to 1.2.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the command execution mechanism within Foreman's smart proxy component, which serves as an intermediary between the Foreman server and Puppet agents, facilitating automated configuration management operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper command construction within the API layer that handles Puppet run operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands on the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of command parameters that are passed through the smart proxy API to Puppet agents. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that bypass normal input sanitization measures, allowing them to inject additional commands that get executed within the context of the Puppet run process. This typically occurs through improper escaping of special characters or shell metacharacters within command parameters, enabling command injection attacks that can escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," which directly relates to the insecure handling of command arguments in shell contexts. The attack vector leverages the API's trust in the data it receives from the smart proxy component, failing to properly validate or sanitize inputs before incorporating them into system commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0210 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with significant control over affected systems that host Foreman instances. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive configuration data, or manipulate Puppet-managed infrastructure to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Foreman for configuration management, potentially exposing their entire infrastructure to unauthorized access and manipulation. Given that Foreman is commonly used in enterprise environments for managing large-scale infrastructure, the potential for widespread impact is substantial. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers from anywhere on the internet.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Foreman to version 1.2.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and command sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Foreman and its smart proxy components, ensuring that only authorized systems can communicate with these critical services. Additional defensive measures include monitoring API logs for suspicious command patterns, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of the configuration management infrastructure. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating existing Puppet configurations to ensure that command execution is properly isolated and that no unnecessary privileges are granted to the smart proxy components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command injection and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the immediate exploitation vector and broader system security posture.