CVE-2014-3249 in Puppet
Summary
by MITRE
Puppet Enterprise 2.8.x before 2.8.7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via vectors involving hiding and unhiding nodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3249 affects Puppet Enterprise 2.8.x versions prior to 2.8.7, representing a significant security flaw in the configuration management platform that could expose sensitive information to unauthorized remote attackers. This issue specifically relates to the improper handling of node visibility states within the Puppet Enterprise web interface, creating a privilege escalation vector that undermines the security model of the system.
The technical flaw manifests in the way Puppet Enterprise manages node visibility states, where attackers can exploit the system's inability to properly validate access controls when transitioning nodes between hidden and unhidden states. This vulnerability allows remote adversaries to bypass intended access restrictions and gain visibility into nodes that should remain hidden, potentially exposing configuration details, system information, and other sensitive data that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the web interface's insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially map the entire infrastructure landscape of systems managed by Puppet Enterprise. When nodes are hidden for security reasons, administrators expect them to remain inaccessible to unauthorized users. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to discover and potentially manipulate hidden nodes, which could lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation, lateral movement, and comprehensive system reconnaissance. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of Puppet Enterprise, undermining trust in the platform's access control mechanisms.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates how insufficient validation of node visibility states can create security gaps in configuration management systems. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1087.001 (Account Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can leverage this flaw to discover system information and potentially use it for further attacks. Organizations using Puppet Enterprise should immediately implement the vendor-provided patch to address this vulnerability, which typically involves updating to version 2.8.7 or later. Additionally, administrators should review node visibility configurations and ensure that proper access controls are in place, implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments of configuration management systems are essential to identify similar access control weaknesses that could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of managed infrastructure.