CVE-2013-4965 in Puppet
Summary
by MITRE
Puppet Enterprise before 3.1.0 does not properly restrict the number of authentication attempts by a console account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-4965 affects Puppet Enterprise versions prior to 3.1.0, specifically targeting the console authentication mechanism. This weakness represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of access controls within the Puppet Enterprise platform. The issue stems from insufficient implementation of authentication attempt restrictions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through automated brute-force attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly impacts the console account access controls that are fundamental to the platform's security architecture.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms within the Puppet Enterprise console authentication process. This absence allows attackers to repeatedly attempt authentication with various credential combinations without triggering protective measures that would normally prevent such excessive attempts. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer, where the system fails to implement adequate countermeasures against automated attack vectors. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the implementation of access control mechanisms, specifically CWE-307, which deals with inadequate account lockout mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to perform credential stuffing and brute-force attacks with minimal risk of detection or system-imposed restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a systematic approach to bypass intended access restrictions. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to systematically test numerous credential combinations against console accounts, potentially gaining administrative access to the Puppet Enterprise environment. This access could enable attackers to modify configuration management policies, compromise infrastructure automation workflows, and potentially escalate privileges within the broader network ecosystem. The vulnerability affects the core security posture of Puppet Enterprise installations, as console access typically provides administrative capabilities that could be leveraged for further compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1110.003, which covers Brute Force attacks against network services, and T1078.004, which addresses valid accounts with default passwords or weak credentials.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including the deployment of network-based rate limiting controls, implementation of account lockout policies, and enforcement of strong authentication practices. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Puppet Enterprise version 3.1.0 or later, where proper authentication attempt restrictions have been implemented. Additional protective measures include configuring firewall rules to limit authentication attempts from specific IP ranges, implementing multi-factor authentication for console access, and establishing monitoring systems to detect unusual authentication patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of all Puppet Enterprise installations to identify vulnerable systems and ensure proper access controls are in place. The remediation process should include reviewing existing authentication policies and implementing more robust account management procedures that align with industry best practices for access control and authentication security.