CVE-2013-1058 in maas
Summary
by MITRE
maas-import-pxe-files in MAAS before 13.10 does not verify the integrity of downloaded files, which allows remote attackers to modify these files via a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1058 affects the MAAS (Metal as a Service) platform version 13.10 and earlier, specifically within the maas-import-pxe-files component. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the software supply chain where the system fails to validate the integrity of files downloaded during the PXE boot configuration process. The vulnerability stems from the absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms that would normally ensure downloaded files have not been tampered with during transit, creating an exploitable gap that adversaries can leverage for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the maas-import-pxe-files utility retrieves PXE boot files from remote repositories without performing any integrity checks such as cryptographic hash verification or digital signature validation. This process creates an attack surface where an attacker positioned within the network traffic path can intercept the download requests and substitute legitimate files with malicious counterparts. The flaw operates at the transport layer security level, where the system assumes the downloaded content is trustworthy without implementing proper verification procedures that are standard practice in secure software distribution mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise the entire PXE boot infrastructure of affected systems. The consequences extend beyond simple file substitution, as PXE boot files are critical components in bare metal provisioning environments where they contain the initial boot instructions and potentially sensitive configuration data. Attackers could modify these files to redirect boot processes to malicious endpoints, install backdoors, or execute arbitrary code during the system initialization phase, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent access within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-353, which addresses the weakness of "Check for Weak Cryptographic Algorithms," and represents a failure in implementing proper cryptographic validation for downloaded content. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution and T1566 for credential access through phishing, as attackers can manipulate boot processes to gain unauthorized access. The attack vector typically involves network interception, where threat actors position themselves between the vulnerable system and the download source to perform file substitution without detection.
Effective mitigation strategies include upgrading to MAAS version 13.10 or later where proper file integrity verification has been implemented, implementing network-level security controls such as SSL/TLS inspection and certificate pinning, and establishing secure download mechanisms that utilize cryptographic signatures or hash verification. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous download patterns and implement zero-trust network principles where all downloaded content is verified regardless of its source. Additionally, system administrators should regularly audit PXE boot configurations and implement automated integrity checking processes to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other components of the infrastructure.