CVE-2014-3593 in luci
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in luci 0.26.0 allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to execute arbitrary Python code via a crafted cluster configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2022
The CVE-2014-3593 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw within the luci web interface version 0.26.0, which serves as a cluster management tool for Linux clusters. This vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms within the cluster configuration handling functionality, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary Python code on the affected system. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied data during cluster configuration operations, where insufficient sanitization allows malicious payloads to be interpreted as executable code rather than mere configuration parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials and specific permissions within the luci environment, typically corresponding to roles with cluster configuration capabilities. The injection occurs during the processing of cluster configuration data where user input is directly incorporated into Python execution contexts without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and specifically manifests as a Python code injection vector that bypasses standard input sanitization controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.006 for Python execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as the successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise through the execution of arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to cluster environments, potentially compromising multiple systems within the managed infrastructure. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate cluster configurations, access sensitive data, and establish backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects systems where luci is deployed as a cluster management interface, particularly in enterprise environments where centralized cluster management is critical for operations. Organizations using this version of luci without proper patching or mitigation measures face significant risk of unauthorized code execution and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3593 primarily involve immediate patching of the luci application to version 0.26.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to luci interfaces and enforce strict access controls through role-based permissions. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious configuration changes, implementing web application firewalls to detect injection attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of cluster management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in configuration handling can lead to critical security breaches. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates across cluster management environments.