CVE-2013-6491 in OpenStack
Summary
by MITRE
The python-qpid client (common/rpc/impl_qpid.py) in OpenStack Oslo before 2013.2 does not enforce SSL connections when qpid_protocol is set to ssl, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6491 affects the python-qpid client implementation within OpenStack Oslo framework prior to version 2013.2. This issue specifically impacts the common/rpc/impl_qpid.py module which handles message queue communications using the Qpid messaging system. The flaw represents a critical security weakness in how SSL/TLS encryption enforcement is handled within the OpenStack infrastructure components that rely on Qpid for inter-service communication.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and enforcement of SSL connections when the qpid_protocol parameter is configured to use ssl mode. Despite the configuration indicating that secure connections should be established, the client implementation fails to properly verify or enforce the SSL protocol requirements during the connection establishment process. This allows an attacker positioned within the network to intercept and analyze the communication traffic without proper encryption, effectively bypassing the intended security controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for OpenStack deployments that depend on the Oslo RPC framework for service communication. Attackers can leverage network sniffing capabilities to capture sensitive information transmitted between OpenStack services, potentially including authentication credentials, API requests, and other confidential data. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as this weakness could enable further attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations or credential theft that could compromise the entire OpenStack deployment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper SSL/TLS enforcement, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network communications. According to ATT&CK framework, this weakness maps to T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can exploit this to gain unauthorized access to network communications. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor for eavesdropping attacks that undermines the security architecture of OpenStack deployments relying on the affected components.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to OpenStack Oslo version 2013.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper SSL enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their Qpid configuration files to ensure that SSL protocols are properly enforced and that network traffic is monitored for unauthorized access attempts. The fix implemented in the patched versions ensures that when qpid_protocol is set to ssl, the client will properly validate SSL certificates and enforce encrypted communication channels to prevent the information disclosure risks associated with this vulnerability.