CVE-2013-6480 in Libcloud
Summary
by MITRE
Libcloud 0.12.3 through 0.13.2 does not set the scrub_data parameter for the destroy DigitalOcean API, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by leveraging a new VM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6480 affects Apache Libcloud versions 0.12.3 through 0.13.2 and pertains to improper handling of the scrub_data parameter within the DigitalOcean API implementation. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in cloud infrastructure management libraries that can lead to unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the destroy operation is handled when terminating virtual machines within the DigitalOcean cloud environment, creating a potential information disclosure risk that extends beyond typical operational boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper scrub_data parameter configuration during virtual machine destruction processes. When a virtual machine is destroyed through the affected Libcloud versions, the system fails to ensure that sensitive data is properly sanitized or destroyed according to security best practices. This parameter, when properly implemented, would typically ensure that all data residing on the virtual machine's storage volumes is overwritten or securely deleted before the resource is fully terminated. The omission of this parameter creates a window where residual data might persist on the underlying storage systems, potentially accessible to unauthorized parties who gain access to the cloud environment or storage infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass broader security implications for cloud computing environments. Local users who can leverage this vulnerability gain the ability to access sensitive information that should have been destroyed during virtual machine termination. This includes but is not limited to user credentials, application data, configuration files, and any other information stored on the virtual machine's persistent storage. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk because the data remains accessible even after the virtual machine has been marked for deletion, effectively creating a data leakage channel that can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the cloud environment.
Organizations utilizing Libcloud for DigitalOcean cloud management face significant risks from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where multiple tenants share the same infrastructure or where sensitive data processing occurs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a failure in proper data sanitization procedures during resource cleanup operations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack chains, potentially enabling more sophisticated threats such as credential harvesting, configuration theft, or data exfiltration. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a data exposure technique, specifically related to credential access and privilege escalation through improper resource management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Libcloud installations to versions that properly implement the scrub_data parameter during destroy operations. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and auditing procedures to detect unauthorized access to cloud resources and ensure proper cleanup of virtual machine storage. Security teams should consider implementing automated checks to verify that destroy operations properly sanitize data and should establish clear policies for data retention and destruction in cloud environments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security controls during resource lifecycle management and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of cloud management libraries to ensure they properly implement security features across all API operations.