CVE-2014-0029 in katello-headpin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the SAM web application in Red Hat katello-headpin allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0029 represents a critical security flaw within the SAM web application component of Red Hat katello-headpin system. This issue manifests as multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that create exploitable entry points for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected web applications. The SAM web application serves as a critical management interface for Red Hat's satellite management platform, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise security environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding within the SAM web application's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit unspecified parameters to inject malicious code that will execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who interact with the vulnerable application. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate and escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into web responses, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as client-side scripts.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0029 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to compromised systems through session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. In enterprise environments utilizing Red Hat katello-headpin for system management, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure management interfaces, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly wide given that the vulnerability affects the SAM web application, which serves as a central management interface for large-scale deployments. This creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the compromised interface to escalate privileges, access sensitive configuration data, or manipulate system settings. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting web-based scripting environments where user input is not properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0029 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Red Hat katello-headpin components, as the vendor would have released security updates addressing the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures including proper HTML escaping, parameter validation, and Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent script execution. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable web application to untrusted users. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning of the SAM web application interface can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter patterns and anomalous user behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security testing including dynamic application security testing to ensure all input vectors have been properly addressed and that no similar vulnerabilities exist within the broader application ecosystem.