CVE-2014-1428 in maas
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in generate_filestorage_key of Ubuntu MAAS allows an attacker to brute-force filenames. This issue affects Ubuntu MAAS versions prior to 1.9.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1428 resides within the Ubuntu MAAS (Metal as a Service) platform, specifically in the generate_filestorage_key function that handles file storage key generation for managing physical hardware resources. This weakness represents a cryptographic flaw that undermines the security of file naming mechanisms used by the system. The issue affects Ubuntu MAAS versions prior to 1.9.2, indicating that organizations running older iterations of this infrastructure management platform remain exposed to potential exploitation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient randomness or predictability in the key generation algorithm, creating opportunities for attackers to systematically guess or derive file names used for storage operations.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the predictable nature of file storage key generation where the algorithm does not adequately incorporate sufficient entropy or randomization elements. This weakness falls under the broader category of weak cryptographic implementations and can be classified as a CWE-330 use of insufficiently random values vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this predictability through brute-force techniques to enumerate or guess file names used for storage operations, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files or data. The attack surface extends to any component within the MAAS environment that relies on these predictable file names for storage identification and retrieval processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to manipulate or access critical system resources. The ability to brute-force filenames creates pathways for unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and disruption of service availability. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain insights into system architecture, identify sensitive files, or potentially escalate privileges within the MAAS environment. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations managing large-scale infrastructure deployments where predictable file naming could expose critical operational data to unauthorized parties. This weakness directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality aspects of the information security triad, as it allows for unauthorized access patterns that should remain protected.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Ubuntu MAAS version 1.9.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as this release includes improved cryptographic implementations for file storage key generation. The mitigation strategy should also involve implementing additional monitoring mechanisms to detect unusual file access patterns or brute-force attempts targeting the storage subsystem. Security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of their MAAS environments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor cryptographic weaknesses can have significant operational implications. Organizations should also consider implementing additional access controls and network segmentation strategies to limit potential impact from such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated platform to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure while maintaining security posture against similar weaknesses.