CVE-2013-1057 in maas
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in maas-import-pxe-files in MAAS before 13.10 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a Trojan horse import_pxe_files configuration file in the current working directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The CVE-2013-1057 vulnerability represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the maas-import-pxe-files utility of the Metal as a Service (MAAS) platform version 13.09 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the way the utility handles configuration file imports, specifically when processing PXE boot files for automated server provisioning. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate the import_pxe_files configuration file, creating a dangerous environment where malicious actors can manipulate the system's behavior through carefully crafted file placement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the principle of least privilege and path resolution mechanisms within the MAAS framework. When the maas-import-pxe-files utility executes, it searches for the import_pxe_files configuration file in the current working directory before checking system paths. This design flaw allows local users to place a malicious configuration file named import_pxe_files in the directory from which the utility is executed. When the utility processes this file, it inadvertently executes the attacker-controlled code, thereby providing arbitrary code execution capabilities to any user with local access to the system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which describes the weakness where a program searches for files or libraries using an untrusted search path that can be manipulated by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain full control over the MAAS management system and potentially compromise the entire infrastructure it manages. Since MAAS is designed for automated server provisioning and management, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate PXE boot configurations, potentially leading to unauthorized system deployments, data exfiltration, or further network infiltration. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local system access, meaning that any user with login privileges can potentially exploit this weakness without requiring additional authentication or network access. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Local Port Forwarding and path manipulation attacks, where adversaries leverage local system access to manipulate program execution flows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1057 should focus on immediate system hardening and architectural improvements to prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should upgrade to MAAS version 13.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file permission controls, ensuring that only authorized users can write to directories where critical system utilities execute. The recommended approach involves configuring the utility to explicitly specify absolute paths for configuration files rather than relying on relative paths, thereby eliminating the possibility of path manipulation. Security best practices should include implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical system files, as well as regular security audits of system utilities to identify similar path resolution vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege implementation, where system utilities should operate with minimal required permissions and avoid unnecessary access to user-controllable directories.