CVE-2014-3225 in Cobbler
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the web interface in Cobbler 2.4.x through 2.6.x allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via the Kickstart field in a profile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The CVE-2014-3225 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the Cobbler configuration management system's web interface. This vulnerability affects versions 2.4.x through 2.6.x and specifically targets the Kickstart field processing within profile management functionality. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access when users interact with the web-based administrative interface. Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this weakness to traverse the file system and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the Kickstart field parameter within Cobbler profiles. When authenticated users submit crafted input containing directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to access files outside of the intended directory structure, potentially enabling them to read sensitive configuration files, credential stores, or other privileged information stored on the system. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal weakness that falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems relying on Cobbler for automated provisioning and configuration management. Since the attack requires only authenticated access, it represents a privilege escalation threat that can be particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the system. The potential for information disclosure through this vector can lead to exposure of system configurations, user credentials, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The impact extends beyond simple file reading as the stolen information could facilitate more sophisticated exploitation techniques including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers can systematically enumerate file systems and extract sensitive information. Organizations using Cobbler in production environments should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority remediation target, particularly in scenarios where the web interface is accessible to untrusted users or where administrative access is not properly controlled. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists in multiple versions, indicating a persistent flaw in the input validation implementation that was not properly addressed across the affected release series.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3225 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Cobbler web interface. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Cobbler that address this vulnerability, as the affected versions 2.4.x through 2.6.x contain the vulnerable code paths that allow path traversal attacks. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the Cobbler web interface to only authorized personnel can reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits should verify that all input fields, particularly those handling file paths or configuration parameters, properly validate and sanitize user input to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious file access patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.