CVE-2014-3712 in Katello
Summary
by MITRE
Katello allows remote attackers to cause a denial foser service (memory consumption) via the (1) mode parameter in the setup_utils function in content_search_controller.rb or (2) action parameter in the respond function in api/api_controller.rb in app/controllers/katello/, which is passed to the to_sym method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
CVE-2014-3712 represents a critical memory exhaustion vulnerability affecting Katello, a Red Hat enterprise content management solution that provides lifecycle management for satellite systems. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the content search controller and API controller components of the Katello application. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied parameters through the setup_utils function in content_search_controller.rb and the respond function in api/api_controller.rb, where these parameters are directly passed to the to_sym method without adequate sanitization or bounds checking.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the mode parameter in the setup_utils function or the action parameter in the respond function, which then invokes the to_sym method. The to_sym method in ruby is vulnerable to memory exhaustion when processing malformed input, as it can cause the application to consume excessive memory resources through symbol table growth. This behavior aligns with CWE-400, which addresses unrestricted memory consumption, and represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack vector. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for resource exhaustion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to perform denial of service attacks against Katello services by consuming system memory resources. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the application to crash or become unresponsive, effectively denying legitimate users access to content management services. This type of attack can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where Katello serves as a critical component for managing software lifecycle and content distribution across satellite systems. The memory consumption issue can cascade into broader system instability, potentially affecting other applications running on the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3712 should focus on input validation and parameter sanitization within the affected controller functions. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation before any input reaches the to_sym method, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly bounded and sanitized. The recommended approach includes implementing explicit type checking and length validation for the mode and action parameters, as well as applying rate limiting and connection throttling mechanisms to prevent abuse. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of Katello that address this vulnerability directly should be prioritized, as the fix typically involves proper input validation and sanitization of parameters before they are processed by the to_sym method. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms to monitor for anomalous parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.