CVE-2019-3828 in Ansible
Summary
by MITRE
Ansible fetch module before versions 2.5.15, 2.6.14, 2.7.8 has a path traversal vulnerability which allows copying and overwriting files outside of the specified destination in the local ansible controller host, by not restricting an absolute path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2023
The CVE-2019-3828 vulnerability represents a critical path traversal flaw in Ansible's fetch module that affects multiple versions prior to 2.5.15, 2.6.14, and 2.7.8. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path restriction mechanisms within the module's handling of absolute paths during file transfer operations. The flaw allows malicious actors to exploit the module's behavior when processing absolute paths, potentially enabling unauthorized file system access and modification on the local ansible controller host. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the security posture of automated infrastructure management systems that rely on Ansible for deployment and configuration management tasks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the fetch module processes absolute paths without proper sanitization or validation of the destination parameters. Attackers can craft malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass intended path restrictions. When the module processes these inputs, it fails to properly validate that the target file operations remain within the designated destination directory boundaries. This allows an attacker to specify absolute paths that point to arbitrary locations on the controller host filesystem, potentially leading to overwriting critical system files, accessing sensitive data, or executing unauthorized file operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the module does not properly canonicalize or validate absolute paths before performing file system operations, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-3828 extends beyond simple file system manipulation to encompass broader security implications for automated infrastructure environments. Organizations utilizing Ansible for configuration management, deployment automation, and infrastructure orchestration face significant risks when this vulnerability exists in their environments. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to overwrite system configuration files, inject malicious code into critical infrastructure components, or access sensitive data stored in locations outside of intended boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant or shared infrastructure environments where different teams or applications rely on Ansible for deployment operations. This flaw can enable privilege escalation scenarios, data exfiltration, and system compromise that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of automated infrastructure management processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables unauthorized file system access through automated tooling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3828 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of Ansible that address the path traversal vulnerability in the fetch module. Organizations should prioritize updating their Ansible installations to versions 2.5.15, 2.6.14, or 2.7.8, which contain the necessary security patches. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation policies for all Ansible modules that handle file system operations, particularly those involving absolute path parameters. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit who can execute Ansible playbooks and modules that interact with the file system. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous file system activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and path validation in automation tools, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for secure system development and configuration management. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable Ansible versions in their infrastructure and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in the future.