CVE-2017-2299 in puppetlabs-apache
Summary
by MITRE
Versions of the puppetlabs-apache module prior to 1.11.1 and 2.1.0 make it very easy to accidentally misconfigure TLS trust. If you specify the `ssl_ca` parameter but do not specify the `ssl_certs_dir` parameter, a default will be provided for the `ssl_certs_dir` that will trust certificates from any of the system-trusted certificate authorities. This did not affect FreeBSD.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-2299 affects the puppetlabs-apache module, a widely used configuration management tool that automates the deployment and management of apache web servers. This issue specifically impacts versions prior to 1.11.1 and 2.1.0, creating a critical misconfiguration risk in TLS certificate handling. The flaw arises from the module's default parameter behavior when users specify the ssl_ca parameter without explicitly defining the ssl_certs_dir parameter. This design oversight creates a dangerous assumption that can lead to significant security implications.
The technical flaw stems from improper default value assignment within the module's configuration logic. When administrators set the ssl_ca parameter to specify certificate authorities for SSL verification, the module automatically provides a default ssl_certs_dir value that bypasses normal certificate validation procedures. This default directory configuration enables trust of certificates from any system-trusted certificate authority, effectively nullifying the intended security controls. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure default configuration where the module's automated behavior undermines explicit security settings chosen by administrators. This issue aligns with CWE-254, which addresses weaknesses in security configuration and improper default settings that can lead to security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it allows attackers to potentially bypass SSL certificate validation mechanisms that are critical for securing web communications. When the ssl_certs_dir parameter is not explicitly set, the module's default behavior creates a trust relationship that accepts certificates from any trusted CA, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks or certificate substitution scenarios. This misconfiguration can be particularly dangerous in environments where strict certificate validation is required for compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The vulnerability affects most operating systems except FreeBSD, suggesting platform-specific implementation differences that may have prevented similar issues on that particular system.
Organizations using affected versions of the puppetlabs-apache module should immediately upgrade to versions 1.11.1 or 2.1.0, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough audits of their existing configurations to identify any instances where ssl_ca is specified without explicit ssl_certs_dir definitions. The recommended mitigation strategy involves explicitly setting both parameters to ensure that certificate validation follows the intended security policy. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for unexpected changes to SSL certificate configurations and establish automated checks to verify proper parameter usage in configuration management scripts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and the potential security implications of relying on default configurations that may not align with security best practices. The issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through manipulation of system security settings, and emphasizes the need for robust configuration management practices in enterprise security environments.