CVE-2016-8614 in Ansible
Summary
by MITRE
A flaw was found in Ansible before version 2.2.0. The apt_key module does not properly verify key fingerprints, allowing remote adversary to create an OpenPGP key which matches the short key ID and inject this key instead of the correct key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8614 resides within the Ansible automation platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.2.0. This flaw exists in the apt_key module which is responsible for managing GPG keys used in package verification processes on debian-based systems. The issue stems from insufficient cryptographic verification mechanisms that allow attackers to exploit weak key validation procedures. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness in the software supply chain management capabilities of Ansible, potentially compromising the integrity of package installations across managed systems.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the apt_key module processes OpenPGP key imports without properly validating the full key fingerprint. Instead of requiring verification of the complete cryptographic hash, the module accepts keys based solely on short key ID matching, which creates a potential collision scenario. Attackers can generate a malicious OpenPGP key that shares the same short key ID as a legitimate key, thereby bypassing the verification process. This weakness directly violates proper cryptographic practices and undermines the trust model that package management systems rely upon for security. The vulnerability maps to CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across enterprise environments that utilize Ansible for system management and configuration deployment. When exploited, the flaw allows remote adversaries to inject malicious GPG keys that can subsequently be used to sign and distribute compromised packages. This creates a persistent backdoor mechanism that can compromise multiple systems simultaneously, as the injected keys would be trusted by the package management systems. The attack vector represents a supply chain compromise that can persist across system updates and reboots, making detection and remediation particularly challenging. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1556.002, which covers credential harvesting through the manipulation of authentication systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8614 require immediate version upgrading of Ansible to 2.2.0 or later, which includes improved key verification mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive key management policies that enforce full fingerprint verification rather than relying on short key IDs. Security teams must conduct thorough audits of existing GPG key repositories to identify and remove any potentially compromised keys. Additionally, implementing automated monitoring systems that detect unauthorized key modifications and establishing multi-factor verification processes for key management operations will significantly reduce the attack surface. The remediation process should also include regular security assessments of automation tools to ensure they maintain adequate cryptographic standards and prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the infrastructure.