CVE-2014-3498 in Ansible
Summary
by MITRE
The user module in ansible before 1.6.6 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3498 resides within the user module of Ansible, a widely deployed automation and configuration management tool that has become integral to modern infrastructure orchestration. This security flaw affects Ansible versions prior to 1.6.6 and represents a critical command execution vulnerability that could be exploited by authenticated attackers. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the user management functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands on target systems. Given Ansible's role in automating system administration tasks, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on the platform for infrastructure management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the user module's handling of user-related parameters and attributes during system user creation, modification, or deletion operations. Attackers with valid credentials and access to Ansible's automation capabilities can manipulate input fields to inject malicious command sequences that bypass normal execution controls. This flaw operates through a command injection vector where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects how Ansible processes user attributes and group memberships, allowing attackers to leverage legitimate administrative functions to execute unauthorized code. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89, which categorize improper input handling leading to command execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3498 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Ansible user, potentially gaining root access or system-level control. Organizations using Ansible for infrastructure automation face severe risks including data exfiltration, system disruption, lateral movement within networks, and persistent access through compromised automation accounts. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access to Ansible's management interface or automation capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials are frequently used. This threat scenario aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how the vulnerability can be leveraged for broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3498 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to Ansible 1.6.6 or later releases that contain the necessary patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive credential management practices including principle of least privilege, multi-factor authentication, and regular access reviews to minimize the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring of Ansible automation activities can help detect anomalous command execution patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of Ansible playbooks and user configurations to identify potential injection points and ensure proper input validation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security patches for automation tools, as these systems often operate with elevated privileges and control critical infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and continuous monitoring solutions to detect similar issues in their automation toolchains.