CVE-2017-2661 in PCS
Summary
by MITRE
ClusterLabs pcs before version 0.9.157 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting vulnerability due to improper validation of Node name field when creating new cluster or adding existing cluster.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2661 affects ClusterLabs pcs software version 0.9.157 and earlier, representing a significant security weakness in cluster management systems. This cross-site scripting vulnerability emerges from inadequate input validation within the Node name field during cluster creation or addition processes, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity. The affected software operates within enterprise environments where cluster management is critical for high availability and fault tolerance, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on robust cluster infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in the Node name parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through crafted node names. When the system processes these unvalidated inputs during cluster configuration, the malicious scripts execute within the context of legitimate users' browsers, potentially enabling unauthorized access to cluster management interfaces. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the web application and its users, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through malicious input manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized cluster modifications, or gain elevated privileges within the management interface. Attackers could leverage this weakness to compromise cluster integrity, potentially causing service disruptions or unauthorized access to sensitive cluster configuration data. The vulnerability affects both new cluster creation and existing cluster addition scenarios, expanding the attack surface significantly. Organizations using ClusterLabs pcs software in production environments face risks of data exposure, service degradation, and potential system compromise that could cascade across interconnected cluster components. This vulnerability particularly threatens environments where cluster management interfaces are accessible over networks, as it enables remote exploitation without requiring physical access to the systems.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate software updates to version 0.9.157 or later, which contain patches addressing the input validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including proper HTML escaping and validation of all user-supplied data before processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of cluster management interfaces to trusted users only. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious input patterns in cluster configuration requests, and regular security assessments should verify proper implementation of input validation measures. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policies and employing web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1211 which covers privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive audit trails of cluster configuration changes to detect potential exploitation attempts.