CVE-2017-7297 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Rancher Labs rancher server 1.2.0+ is vulnerable to authenticated users disabling access control via an API call. This is fixed in versions rancher/server:v1.2.4, rancher/server:v1.3.5, rancher/server:v1.4.3, and rancher/server:v1.5.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7297 affects Rancher Server versions 1.2.0 and later, representing a critical access control flaw that allows authenticated users to disable security protections through legitimate API interactions. This issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the API endpoints that manage access control settings, creating a path for privilege escalation where authenticated users can manipulate system security configurations. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative functions that govern user permissions and access restrictions, effectively allowing malicious actors with valid credentials to undermine the security posture of the entire Rancher environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the API layer where access control configuration parameters can be modified without proper authentication verification for administrative actions. When authenticated users make specific API calls to modify access control settings, the system fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges to perform such operations. This represents a classic authorization bypass vulnerability that aligns with CWE-285, which focuses on improper authorization within software systems. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard API interaction patterns, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate system functionality to achieve unauthorized access control manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of Rancher Server deployments. An attacker who gains access to any valid user account can potentially disable critical access controls, leading to unauthorized system access and potential data breaches across containerized environments managed by Rancher. This vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Rancher for container orchestration and management, where the compromise of access controls could result in unauthorized deployment modifications, data exposure, or complete system takeover. The implications are particularly severe in multi-tenant environments where proper access control segregation is critical for maintaining security boundaries between different user groups and applications.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-7297 should immediately implement the vendor-recommended remediation measures, including upgrading to one of the patched versions specified in the advisory. The affected versions rancher/server:v1.2.4, rancher/server:v1.3.5, rancher/server:v1.4.3, and rancher/server:v1.5.3 contain the necessary security fixes that restore proper authorization controls for access management functions. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor system logs for unauthorized access control modifications. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and least-privilege access controls can provide defense-in-depth measures that limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the upgraded systems to ensure that legitimate administrative functions continue to operate correctly while the security vulnerability is fully addressed. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and proper access control validation mechanisms within container management platforms, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize continuous monitoring and timely vulnerability remediation practices.