CVE-2023-0118 in Foreman
Summary
by MITRE • 09/20/2023
An arbitrary code execution flaw was found in Foreman. This flaw allows an admin user to bypass safe mode in templates and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0118 represents a critical arbitrary code execution flaw within the Foreman management platform that fundamentally compromises system security through improper template handling mechanisms. This issue exists in the template rendering system where administrative users can exploit a bypass mechanism to circumvent the safe mode protections that are designed to prevent code execution within template contexts. The flaw specifically targets the template engine's validation logic, allowing privileged users to inject malicious code that gets executed within the operating system's context, effectively transforming legitimate administrative capabilities into dangerous attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within Foreman's template processing subsystem, which operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code. The flaw manifests when administrative users manipulate template parameters to inject executable code that bypasses the intended safe execution environment. This bypass occurs through a combination of insufficient template escaping mechanisms and flawed privilege validation that fails to properly isolate template execution contexts from the underlying operating system shell. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative privileges, which are often granted to trusted personnel but represent a significant attack surface when misconfigured or exploited.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a severe impact on system integrity and confidentiality as it allows attackers with administrative access to escalate their privileges to full system control. The executed code operates with the privileges of the Foreman service account, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive system resources, modify configurations, exfiltrate data, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected within the system for extended periods. Organizations using Foreman for system management and orchestration face significant risk exposure, as this vulnerability can be exploited to gain complete control over managed systems and infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0118 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foreman installations to address the template validation bypass mechanism. Organizations must implement strict access controls and privilege segregation to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel, following the principle of least privilege as recommended in cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53. Additional protective measures include monitoring template modifications, implementing web application firewalls to detect suspicious template parameter injection attempts, and conducting regular security assessments of template configurations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries execute code through legitimate system interfaces, and T1566.001 - Phishing - Spearphishing Attachment, as the exploitation may occur through compromised administrative accounts. System administrators should also consider implementing automated template validation checks and establishing robust logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized template modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.