CVE-2018-11748 in device_manager
Summary
by MITRE
Previous releases of the Puppet device_manager module creates configuration files containing credentials that are world readable. This issue has been resolved as of device_manager 2.7.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-11748 affects the Puppet device_manager module, which is used to manage network devices through Puppet's configuration management framework. This module allows administrators to automate the deployment and management of network device configurations, but prior to version 2.7.0, it contained a critical security flaw that exposed sensitive authentication credentials to unauthorized users. The issue stems from improper file permissions that were applied to configuration files containing usernames, passwords, and other authentication tokens necessary for device communication. These files were created with world-readable permissions, meaning any user account on the system could access the sensitive data without authentication. This flaw represents a significant security risk in enterprise environments where Puppet is used to manage critical network infrastructure components such as routers, switches, and firewalls. The vulnerability directly violates security best practices for credential storage and access control, as it creates an unnecessary exposure point that could be exploited by malicious actors with access to the system.
The technical flaw in the device_manager module occurs at the file system level where configuration files containing authentication credentials are generated with insufficient permission controls. When Puppet executes device management tasks, it creates temporary or permanent configuration files that store device login information in plain text format. These files are typically created with default umask settings or explicit permission configurations that grant read access to all users on the system. The root cause lies in the module's implementation of file creation routines that do not properly enforce restrictive permissions on sensitive data files. This issue can be classified under CWE-732, which addresses Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in system security. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security model of configuration management tools, where the assumption is that sensitive information should be protected from unauthorized access by default.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for network infrastructure management. Organizations using Puppet device_manager in environments with multiple administrators or shared systems face significant risk of credential compromise, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network devices and subsequent lateral movement within the network. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to critical network infrastructure components, perform unauthorized configuration changes, or establish persistent access points within the network. The exposure of authentication credentials through world-readable files creates an attack surface that aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as the compromised credentials could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise networks where Puppet is used for large-scale device management, as a single compromised credential could potentially provide access to multiple network devices across the infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of both immediate and long-term security measures to address the credential exposure issue. System administrators should immediately upgrade to device_manager version 2.7.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly enforce restrictive file permissions on configuration files. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of existing configuration files to identify and remediate any previously created credential files that may still be accessible to unauthorized users. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file permission controls using chmod commands to set restrictive permissions on sensitive files, typically 600 or 640, and ensuring that any future configuration file creation routines properly enforce these restrictions. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files and establish logging mechanisms that track file access patterns. The fix aligns with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for access control and system configuration, ensuring that sensitive information is properly protected through appropriate technical safeguards. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to ensure that similar issues do not arise in other Puppet modules or configuration management tools within the organization's infrastructure.