CVE-2016-5716 in Puppet Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
The console in Puppet Enterprise 2015.x and 2016.x prior to 2016.4.0 includes unsafe string reads that potentially allows for remote code execution on the console node.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5716 affects Puppet Enterprise console components in versions 2015.x and 2016.x prior to 2016.4.0, representing a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution on affected console nodes. This vulnerability resides within the console's handling of string inputs, specifically exposing unsafe string read operations that create opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system. The affected Puppet Enterprise console serves as a central management interface for infrastructure automation and configuration management, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-74, which covers injection flaws, particularly in the context of command injection. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code on the console node, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to the entire Puppet infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through unsafe string handling operations within the console's input processing mechanisms, where user-supplied data is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed. This unsafe approach to string manipulation creates pathways for attackers to craft malicious inputs that can be interpreted as executable commands rather than benign data. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves sending specially crafted payloads through the console's web interface or API endpoints, where the unsafe string reads allow the system to interpret attacker-controlled data as code execution instructions. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059, command and scripting interpreter, as it enables adversaries to execute commands on the compromised system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the console node typically runs with elevated privileges and has access to sensitive configuration data and infrastructure management capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5716 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass broader infrastructure compromise and data exposure risks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains a foothold in the Puppet Enterprise environment that can be used to escalate privileges, move laterally through the network, and access sensitive configuration data managed by Puppet. The console node serves as a central hub for infrastructure automation, meaning successful exploitation could provide access to critical system configurations, deployment scripts, and potentially sensitive credentials stored within the Puppet infrastructure. Organizations using affected Puppet Enterprise versions face significant risk of unauthorized configuration changes, service disruption, and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can potentially target the console from external networks, making the attack surface broader than many other infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5716 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to Puppet Enterprise 2016.4.0 or later, which contain patches addressing the unsafe string read operations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the Puppet console node, ensuring that only authorized administrators can reach the system. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter traffic to the console, enabling strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, and conducting regular security assessments of the Puppet infrastructure. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in console access and command execution, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are maintained. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to Puppet infrastructure compromises and consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly important to maintain current security patches and monitor for similar string handling vulnerabilities in other components of the Puppet Enterprise ecosystem.