CVE-2016-0731 in Ambari
Summary
by MITRE
The File Browser View in Apache Ambari before 2.2.1 allows remote authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files via a file: URL in the WebHDFS URL configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2018
The vulnerability CVE-2016-0731 affects Apache Ambari versions prior to 2.2.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the File Browser View component that enables remote authenticated administrators to access arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the WebHDFS URL configuration handling mechanism, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited by malicious actors with administrative privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the File Browser View processes file: URLs in WebHDFS configurations, allowing unauthorized file access beyond the intended scope of the system's file browsing capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of file system paths within the Ambari management interface, where authenticated administrators can manipulate the WebHDFS URL parameter to include file: protocol references. This creates a direct path to the underlying file system, bypassing normal access controls and allowing read operations on files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal issue under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation where the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Apache Ambari for Hadoop cluster management, as it provides unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially confidential information stored within the cluster environment. Attackers with administrative access can exploit this vulnerability to extract critical system information, access configuration files containing passwords or encryption keys, and potentially gain deeper insights into the cluster's architecture. The vulnerability can be leveraged to escalate privileges or gather intelligence for further attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Ambari manages critical data infrastructure. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it enables unauthorized file access through legitimate administrative accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0731 primarily involve upgrading to Apache Ambari version 2.2.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for WebHDFS URL configurations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative access to Ambari interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the management console. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the Hadoop ecosystem. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and unauthorized attempts to manipulate WebHDFS configurations, while maintaining strict audit trails of administrative activities within the Ambari environment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to significant security breaches in complex enterprise systems.