CVE-2020-14334 in Satellite
Summary
by MITRE
A flaw was found in Red Hat Satellite 6 which allows privileged attacker to read cache files. These cache credentials could help attacker to gain complete control of the Satellite instance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14334 represents a critical security flaw within Red Hat Satellite 6 systems that exposes sensitive cache data to authenticated attackers with privileged access rights. This weakness resides in the improper handling of cache files that contain authentication credentials and system information, creating an avenue for privilege escalation and complete system compromise. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and file permission configurations that allow unauthorized users to traverse cache directories and extract confidential information.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the satellite server's caching mechanism which stores authentication tokens, configuration data, and other sensitive materials in accessible file locations. When privileged users execute certain administrative operations, the system generates cache files that contain credentials or session information in plaintext or weakly encrypted formats. These cache files are stored in directories with insufficient permission controls, allowing attackers to read and extract the cached information. The vulnerability specifically affects the satellite server's internal caching subsystem that manages various operational data including user credentials and system configurations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Red Hat Satellite 6 for system management and software distribution. An attacker who has already gained authenticated access to the satellite instance can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and obtain complete administrative control. The extracted cache credentials can be used to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted system components, and perform unauthorized operations that would otherwise be restricted. This creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited repeatedly without detection, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where satellite servers manage critical infrastructure components.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. This weakness enables unauthorized information disclosure and privilege escalation attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access patterns, specifically targeting the T1078 and T1566 tactics. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption including unauthorized access to managed systems, potential data breaches, and complete loss of control over their satellite-managed infrastructure. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for lateral movement within networks where satellite servers serve as central management points.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file system permissions and access controls for cache directories. System administrators should ensure that cache files are stored with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access while maintaining necessary functionality. Regular auditing of cache directory permissions and implementing automated monitoring for suspicious file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by Red Hat, which typically include fixes for access control mechanisms and improved cache management practices. Network segmentation and multi-factor authentication controls should also be implemented to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of credential exposure. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of satellite environments can help identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems and ensure comprehensive protection against privilege escalation attacks.