CVE-2017-10689 in Puppet Agent
Summary
by MITRE
In previous versions of Puppet Agent it was possible to install a module with world writable permissions. Puppet Agent 5.3.4 and 1.10.10 included a fix to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10689 represents a critical permission flaw in Puppet Agent versions prior to 5.3.4 and 1.10.10. This issue stems from the improper handling of file permissions during module installation processes, creating a security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability allows for the installation of Puppet modules with world-writable permissions, which fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on Puppet for configuration management. This flaw specifically affects the module installation component of Puppet Agent, where the software fails to properly enforce restrictive file permissions on installed modules.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the module installation phase where Puppet Agent does not adequately validate or enforce proper file permission settings. When modules are installed, the system creates files and directories with overly permissive permissions that allow any user on the system to modify or execute these components. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and can lead to privilege escalation scenarios. The flaw operates at the file system level and demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation within the Puppet Agent software stack. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses inadequate permission settings on critical system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10689 extends beyond simple permission misconfiguration to create potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and code execution. An attacker with access to a system running vulnerable Puppet Agent versions could exploit this vulnerability by installing malicious modules with world-writable permissions, then modifying these modules to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Puppet Agent is commonly used for configuration management across multiple systems, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire infrastructure domains. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor opportunity and can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks where Puppet is deployed.
Security professionals should prioritize patching affected Puppet Agent installations to versions 5.3.4 and 1.10.10, which contain the necessary fixes for this permission flaw. The remediation process involves upgrading Puppet Agent software and conducting thorough permission audits on existing module installations to ensure no compromised modules remain. Organizations should implement automated patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in other system components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it provides attackers with the means to establish persistent access and execute malicious code. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and access control mechanisms that should be enforced at all levels of system software, particularly in configuration management tools that operate with elevated privileges.