CVE-2020-27958 in Open OnDemand
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2022
The Job Composer app in Ohio Supercomputer Center Open OnDemand before 1.7.19 and 1.8.x before 1.8.18 allows remote authenticated users to provide crafted input in a job template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-27958 affects the Job Composer application within the Ohio Supercomputer Center Open OnDemand platform, specifically impacting versions prior to 1.7.19 and 1.8.x versions before 1.8.18. This security flaw represents a critical concern for high-performance computing environments where multiple users collaborate on resource-intensive computational tasks. The Job Composer serves as a web-based interface for creating and managing batch job templates that are submitted to cluster computing systems, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit computational resources or compromise system integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the job template processing functionality. Authenticated users can craft malicious input that bypasses normal validation checks, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category, which encompasses "Improper Input Validation" and represents a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to inject malformed data into application processing pipelines. The flaw specifically enables attackers to manipulate job template parameters that are subsequently processed by the underlying batch job system, creating opportunities for command injection attacks or unauthorized access to computational resources.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Open OnDemand for cluster management and job scheduling. The remote authenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers with valid user credentials can leverage this weakness without requiring additional privileges or physical access to the system. This creates a scenario where compromised user accounts could be weaponized to gain elevated system privileges or disrupt computational workflows. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as attackers could potentially manipulate job scheduling, consume excessive computational resources, or even gain access to sensitive data processed through the cluster environment.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and script injection and T1078 for valid accounts. Organizations using Open OnDemand platforms should immediately implement mitigations including updating to versions 1.7.19 or 1.8.18, which contain proper input sanitization and validation measures. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring user activities for unusual job template modifications, and establishing network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement. System administrators should also consider implementing application-level firewalls and input validation rules to prevent malicious template parameters from being processed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures for web-based cluster management interfaces.