CVE-2015-1867 in Pacemaker
Summary
by MITRE
Pacemaker before 1.1.13 does not properly evaluate added nodes, which allows remote read-only users to gain privileges via an acl command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1867 affects the Pacemaker cluster management system version 1.1.12 and earlier, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of high-availability cluster environments. This issue stems from improper validation of node additions within the cluster management framework, creating a privilege escalation vector that allows remote users with read-only permissions to execute administrative commands through carefully crafted acl operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that govern how cluster nodes are evaluated and admitted to the system, exploiting a gap in the access control list processing logic that should have prevented unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this flaw resides in the way Pacemaker handles node addition requests and subsequent access control evaluations. When a node is added to a cluster, the system performs validation checks to ensure that the operation complies with existing access control policies. However, the vulnerability occurs during this validation phase where the system fails to properly verify that the user performing the acl command has sufficient privileges to modify node access controls. This improper evaluation allows a malicious user with read-only access to craft specific acl commands that bypass normal authorization checks and effectively elevate their privileges within the cluster management system. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the cluster management layer where administrative functions are tightly controlled and typically require elevated permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of cluster security policies and can lead to complete system compromise. Remote attackers who can establish connections to the cluster management interface can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive cluster configuration data, manipulate node membership, and potentially disrupt cluster operations. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on Pacemaker for high-availability services, where cluster integrity is paramount for business continuity. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized modifications to cluster resources, potentially causing service outages or creating backdoor access points within the infrastructure. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple administrators manage cluster resources, as the vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass the principle of least privilege and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1867 focus on immediate patching and enhanced security monitoring within cluster environments. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Pacemaker version 1.1.13 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly evaluate node addition requests and validate access control permissions. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation to restrict access to cluster management interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can establish connections to the cluster management ports. The implementation of network access controls and firewall rules can help minimize the attack surface by limiting which systems can communicate with the cluster management services. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their cluster configurations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual acl command patterns that might indicate unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, involving the exploitation of remote services for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams managing high-availability infrastructure.