CVE-2013-6470 in openstack
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration in the standalone controller quickstack manifest in openstack-foreman-installer, as used in Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform 4.0, disables authentication for Qpid, which allows remote attackers to gain access by connecting to Qpid.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-6470 represents a critical security flaw in the OpenStack deployment infrastructure, specifically within the standalone controller quickstack manifest implementation. This issue affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux OpenStack Platform 4.0 and stems from the default configuration practices that prioritize ease of deployment over security hardening. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exposes core messaging infrastructure components to unauthenticated access, creating a fundamental breach in the platform's security architecture. The Qpid messaging system, which serves as a critical communication backbone for OpenStack services, becomes accessible to any remote attacker who can establish network connectivity to the designated ports.
The technical flaw manifests through improper default configuration settings that disable authentication mechanisms within the Qpid messaging broker. This configuration oversight means that the messaging system operates without requiring credentials for access, effectively creating an open door for malicious actors. The vulnerability exists at the infrastructure level rather than within application code, making it particularly challenging to detect and remediate through traditional software patching approaches. The flaw aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and specifically represents a failure in authentication mechanism implementation. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows attackers to establish connections to the Qpid messaging system and potentially gain access to the underlying OpenStack service communications, which could lead to further compromise of the entire cloud infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within the OpenStack environment. Since Qpid serves as a messaging broker for inter-service communication, an attacker who gains access to this component could potentially intercept or manipulate service communications, leading to privilege escalation or data manipulation attacks. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage, as the lack of authentication creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the messaging system for further exploitation. The exposure of Qpid without authentication creates a persistent security risk that remains active until explicitly addressed through configuration changes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate configuration adjustments to enforce authentication mechanisms within the Qpid messaging system. Organizations should implement proper credential management practices and ensure that all messaging components require authentication before granting access. The recommended approach involves modifying the quickstack manifest configuration files to enable authentication and establish secure credential handling procedures. Security hardening guidelines suggest implementing strong authentication mechanisms, including the use of certificates or strong passwords, and regularly auditing access controls to prevent unauthorized access. This vulnerability highlights the importance of security by design principles in cloud infrastructure deployments and demonstrates how default configurations can create significant security risks when not properly evaluated for production environments. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that service communications remain functional while implementing the necessary security controls, following industry standards such as those outlined in the OpenStack security guidelines and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.