CVE-2014-4660 in Ansible
Summary
by MITRE
Ansible before 1.5.5 constructs filenames containing user and password fields on the basis of deb lines in sources.list, which might allow local users to obtain sensitive credential information in opportunistic circumstances by leveraging existence of a file that uses the "deb http://user:pass@server:port/" format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2014-4660 represents a critical security flaw in Ansible versions prior to 1.5.5 that stems from improper handling of credential information within package repository configuration files. This issue specifically affects the sources.list file processing functionality where Ansible constructs filenames based on deb lines containing user and password fields. The vulnerability manifests when Ansible encounters repository URLs in the format "deb http://user:pass@server:port/" and creates filenames that incorporate these credentials, potentially exposing sensitive authentication information to local users who can access the system.
The technical implementation flaw resides in Ansible's filename construction logic which fails to properly sanitize or obfuscate credential information when processing package repository entries. This behavior creates a scenario where local attackers can potentially discover credential information through opportunistic file system access, particularly when the system contains files that utilize the specific URL format with embedded authentication details. The vulnerability operates at the file system level and demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization practices that violate fundamental security principles for credential handling.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems that rely on Ansible for configuration management and deployment automation. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to extract authentication credentials from repository configuration files, potentially gaining unauthorized access to package repositories and compromising the integrity of the system's software supply chain. The opportunistic nature of this attack means that even systems with proper access controls can be compromised if attackers can access the file system where these constructed filenames exist.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and CWE-312, which covers "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information." Additionally, this weakness maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, "Credentials In Files," which describes how adversaries can obtain credentials by searching for sensitive information in files. Organizations using Ansible for system management should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader credential security posture, particularly in environments where local file system access is not strictly controlled. The impact extends beyond immediate credential exposure to potential compromise of entire package management infrastructure and supply chain integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4660 include upgrading to Ansible version 1.5.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper credential handling in repository configuration processing. System administrators should also implement strict file system access controls and audit procedures to monitor for unauthorized access to package repository configuration files. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running older versions of Ansible and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented. The fix implemented in Ansible 1.5.5 addresses the root cause by properly sanitizing credential information during filename construction, preventing the exposure of user and password fields in generated file paths.