CVE-2019-10137 in Spacewalk
Summary
by MITRE
A path traversal flaw was found in spacewalk-proxy, all versions through 2.8, in the way the proxy processes cached client tokens. A remote, unauthenticated attacker could use this flaw to test the existence of arbitrary files, if they have access to the proxy's filesystem, or can execute arbitrary code in the context of the httpd process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10137 represents a critical path traversal flaw within the spacewalk-proxy component of Red Hat Satellite systems. This flaw affects all versions through 2.8 and stems from improper handling of cached client tokens during proxy processing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the proxy fails to adequately validate file paths, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the system's file access mechanisms through crafted requests that exploit the lack of proper input sanitization. The flaw specifically impacts how the proxy manages token caching operations, creating an attack surface where arbitrary file system access can be achieved through carefully constructed requests that bypass normal path validation controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of improper path validation and insufficient access controls within the spacewalk-proxy component. When the proxy processes cached client tokens, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input that may contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or similar path manipulation techniques. This weakness allows an attacker to craft requests that can traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by unauthenticated remote attackers who have access to the proxy's filesystem, meaning that even without legitimate credentials, an attacker can leverage this flaw to test file existence or execute code within the context of the httpd process. The attack vector typically involves sending specially crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the proxy's token handling mechanism to achieve unauthorized file system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-10137 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable full system compromise. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can allow attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the httpd service account. This creates a significant risk for organizations using Red Hat Satellite systems, as it provides a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the proxy service is exposed to untrusted networks, as it removes the requirement for authentication while still allowing for substantial file system manipulation. Organizations may face compliance violations and data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited, as it can lead to unauthorized access to critical system information and potentially complete system compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to spacewalk-proxy versions beyond 2.8 where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the proxy service, and applying proper input validation controls to prevent path traversal attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which classifies these issues under the broader category of insufficient input validation and improper access control. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it enables attackers to execute code and escalate privileges through the proxy service. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can enumerate the file system to identify sensitive files and directories. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns and establish monitoring for unusual file system access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.