CVE-2018-8003 in Ambari
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Ambari, versions 1.4.0 to 2.6.1, is susceptible to a directory traversal attack allowing an unauthenticated user to craft an HTTP request which provides read-only access to any file on the filesystem of the host the Ambari Server runs on that is accessible by the user the Ambari Server is running as. Direct network access to the Ambari Server is required to issue this request, and those Ambari Servers that are protected behind a firewall, or in a restricted network zone are at less risk of being affected by this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
Apache Ambari versions 1.4.0 through 2.6.1 contain a critical directory traversal vulnerability that enables unauthenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This vulnerability resides in the Ambari Server's handling of HTTP requests and stems from insufficient input validation when processing file paths. The flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious requests that can traverse directory structures and retrieve sensitive information from the host system. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 Directory Traversal and maps to attack technique T1083 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under File and Directory Discovery. The security impact is significant because the Ambari Server typically runs with elevated privileges, making the potential for data exfiltration or system compromise much greater than typical directory traversal vulnerabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read configuration files, log files, and other sensitive system data that the Ambari Server process can access. The vulnerability requires direct network access to the Ambari Server, meaning that systems protected by firewalls or network segmentation are at reduced risk, though this protection is not absolute since attackers may still find ways to reach the server. The affected versions represent a broad range of Ambari releases, indicating this was a widespread issue that affected many organizations using Apache Ambari for Hadoop cluster management. The attack vector is straightforward and can be executed through simple HTTP request manipulation, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. Organizations using Ambari Server in production environments should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it provides a direct pathway to sensitive system information that could be used for further attacks or to understand the target environment.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability involves the Ambari Server's API endpoints that handle file-related requests without proper sanitization of user-supplied input. When an attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP request containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the server fails to properly validate or sanitize these paths before accessing the filesystem. This allows the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because Ambari Server often runs with privileges that enable access to system configuration files, user data, and other sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple file reading as attackers can potentially discover system credentials, configuration settings, or other data that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly exploited in similar security flaws across various software systems. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security controls in management interfaces, particularly those that provide access to system-level resources and information. Security teams should also consider conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other management systems and applications within their environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8003 should include immediate patching of affected Ambari Server installations to versions that address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls and access control lists to restrict direct access to Ambari Server ports and services. Network segmentation can provide additional protection by isolating Ambari Server instances from less secure network zones. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly requests containing directory traversal sequences. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering out malicious requests before they reach the Ambari Server. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their Ambari installations to ensure proper configuration and identify potential vulnerabilities. Access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can access Ambari Server functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks. Regular security training for development teams can help prevent similar issues in custom applications. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date inventory of all Ambari installations and ensure that all systems are properly patched and configured according to security best practices. The combination of proper patch management, network security controls, and monitoring solutions provides the most effective defense against this and similar vulnerabilities.