CVE-2014-8119 in netcf
Summary
by MITRE
The find_ifcfg_path function in netcf before 0.2.7 might allow attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via vectors involving augeas path expressions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8119 resides within the netcf library version 0.2.7 and earlier, specifically within the find_ifcfg_path function. This flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The netcf library serves as a network configuration framework that provides a unified interface for managing network interfaces across different operating systems, making it a critical component in network administration and automation environments. The function in question processes augeas path expressions which are used for parsing and manipulating configuration files, particularly those related to network interface settings. When maliciously crafted augeas path expressions are passed to this function, they can trigger unexpected behavior that leads to application termination.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters that are processed by the find_ifcfg_path function. Augeas is a configuration editing tool that uses a tree-like data structure to represent configuration files, and its path expressions are designed to navigate and modify these structures. However, when these expressions are not properly validated or sanitized, they can cause the application to crash during parsing or evaluation. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking and error handling within the function's processing logic, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause memory corruption or infinite loops. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as "Improper Validation of Array Index" and can be classified as a buffer overflow or heap corruption issue depending on the specific implementation details. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal application usage patterns, making it difficult to prevent without proper input validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8119 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially be leveraged to compromise entire network management systems. In environments where netcf is used for automated network configuration management, an attacker who can influence input to the find_ifcfg_path function can cause cascading failures that disrupt network connectivity and system availability. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on netcf for network interface management, which includes virtualization platforms, container orchestration systems, and automated network deployment tools. When exploited, the application crash can result in service interruption that affects network operations, potentially leading to extended downtime for critical infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of netcf should be particularly concerned about this vulnerability as it represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities in the network stack. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a Denial of Service attack under the technique T1499.004, and could potentially be used as a precursor to privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8119 should focus on immediate patching of the netcf library to version 0.2.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation. Organizations should also implement strict input validation at the application level, particularly for any user-provided data that might be processed by functions similar to find_ifcfg_path. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the ability of untrusted users to provide input that could trigger the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the application crash may be observable through system logs or network traffic analysis. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing or containerization for network configuration processes to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in configuration management tools and serves as a reminder of the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components, particularly those that handle configuration data and system-level operations.