CVE-2017-5655 in Ambari
Summary
by MITRE
In Ambari 2.2.2 through 2.4.2 and Ambari 2.5.0, sensitive data may be stored on disk in temporary files on the Ambari Server host. The temporary files are readable by any user authenticated on the host.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5655 affects Apache Ambari versions ranging from 2.2.2 through 2.4.2 and specifically 2.5.0, presenting a critical security flaw in how the system handles temporary file storage. This issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive data within temporary file mechanisms during Ambari server operations, creating persistent security risks on the host system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper data handling and inadequate access controls, allowing unauthorized local users to gain access to confidential information that should remain protected within the Ambari environment. The flaw represents a significant deviation from security best practices, as sensitive data including authentication credentials, configuration details, and potentially other proprietary information may be inadvertently exposed through temporary file mechanisms that lack proper access restrictions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves Ambari's temporary file creation processes where sensitive information is written to disk without appropriate security measures. These temporary files are created with insufficient permission controls, making them accessible to any user authenticated on the host system. The underlying mechanism typically involves the use of standard temporary file creation functions or libraries that do not properly enforce restrictive file permissions or utilize secure temporary file handling practices. This design flaw allows for privilege escalation scenarios where local users can read these temporary files and extract sensitive information that was meant to remain confidential within the Ambari server environment. The vulnerability manifests through the failure to implement proper file access control lists or permission settings that would normally restrict access to temporary files containing sensitive data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5655 extends beyond simple data exposure, creating potential pathways for further compromise of the Ambari management infrastructure. Attackers who gain local access to the Ambari server host can exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information that may include database connection strings, service credentials, and other administrative details. This exposure significantly weakens the overall security posture of Hadoop cluster management systems that rely on Ambari for configuration and monitoring. The vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have achieved local system access to escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the managed Hadoop environment. The risk is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments where multiple users share the same host system, as any authenticated user can potentially access sensitive data from other users or services running on the same host.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Ambari versions to the latest secure releases that address the temporary file handling issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive temporary file management policies that enforce strict access controls and proper file permission settings for all temporary storage mechanisms. The implementation of proper file handling practices, including the use of secure temporary file creation functions that automatically set appropriate permissions, should be mandatory. System administrators should conduct regular audits of temporary file directories to identify and remove sensitive data that may have been inadvertently stored in accessible locations. Additionally, the deployment of monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to temporary files should be considered as part of a comprehensive security strategy. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-377 and CWE-732 categories related to insecure temporary file handling and improper file permissions, respectively, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.