CVE-2014-0233 in OpenShift
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat OpenShift Enterprise 2.0 and 2.1 and OpenShift Origin allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in a directory name that is referenced by a cartridge using the file: URI scheme.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0233 represents a critical command injection flaw within Red Hat OpenShift platforms, specifically affecting versions 2.0 and 2.1 of OpenShift Enterprise and OpenShift Origin. This security weakness stems from improper handling of directory names that are referenced through the file: URI scheme when utilizing cartridges, creating a pathway for authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the system. The vulnerability manifests when shell metacharacters are present in directory names, which then get processed without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious input to be interpreted as shell commands by the underlying system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a directory traversal mechanism within the cartridge management system of OpenShift. When a cartridge references a directory using the file: URI scheme, the platform processes the directory name without proper validation or sanitization of special shell characters. This flaw falls under the CWE-78 category of "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-provided directory names are directly incorporated into system commands without proper input validation, creating an environment where attackers can manipulate the execution flow by injecting shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitution operators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows authenticated remote attackers to gain arbitrary command execution privileges on the OpenShift platform, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious commands with the privileges of the OpenShift service account, which may include escalating privileges to root access depending on the system configuration. The vulnerability affects the core cartridge functionality that enables third-party applications to be deployed and managed within the OpenShift environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to compromise the entire platform's integrity. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first establish valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk given that OpenShift environments often contain multiple user accounts with varying privilege levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0233 should focus on immediate patching of affected OpenShift versions and implementation of input validation controls. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available, which typically involve proper sanitization of directory names and URI components before command execution. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for all directory names and URI references, employing proper escaping mechanisms for shell commands, and restricting cartridge permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous command execution patterns, while principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the impact of any successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization, particularly when dealing with user-controllable data in system command contexts, as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST SP 800-53 security controls.