CVE-2024-1657 in Ansible Automation Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 04/25/2024
A flaw was found in the ansible automation platform. An insecure WebSocket connection was being used in installation from the Ansible rulebook EDA server. An attacker that has access to any machine in the CIDR block could download all rulebook data from the WebSocket, resulting in loss of confidentiality and integrity of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1657 resides within the ansible automation platform, specifically affecting the Ansible rulebook EDA server installation process. This security flaw manifests through the improper use of WebSocket connections during the installation phase, creating a significant exposure that undermines the platform's security posture. The issue stems from the implementation of insecure WebSocket communication channels that fail to establish proper cryptographic protection for data transmission between the server and client components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of unencrypted WebSocket protocols during the rulebook data transfer process within the EDA server framework. When the installation process initiates WebSocket connections, it does not enforce secure communication channels, leaving the transmitted rulebook data susceptible to interception and manipulation. This insecure communication pattern allows adversaries to exploit the network infrastructure by monitoring traffic within the same CIDR block, effectively bypassing traditional network segmentation controls that should protect sensitive automation data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating cascading security implications for organizations relying on ansible automation platforms. An attacker with network access to any machine within the affected CIDR block can exploit this weakness to download complete rulebook datasets, potentially gaining access to sensitive automation policies, deployment configurations, and operational procedures. This compromise directly affects both confidentiality and integrity aspects of the system, as adversaries can not only read the transmitted data but also potentially modify it during transmission, leading to potential automation disruptions or malicious command execution.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network communication protocols, and represents a significant deviation from established security practices. Organizations implementing the ansible automation platform face substantial risk if they do not address this issue, as it essentially provides an attack vector that allows lateral movement within network segments. The implications extend to compliance requirements for data protection and system integrity, particularly in regulated environments where automation platform security is critical.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1657 should prioritize the immediate implementation of secure WebSocket connections using TLS encryption protocols throughout the installation process. Network administrators must ensure that all WebSocket communications within the ansible automation platform utilize secure protocols such as wss:// instead of ws://, establishing proper certificate validation and encryption requirements. Additionally, implementing network segmentation controls and access restrictions within the CIDR blocks can help limit the attack surface, while regular security audits should verify that all WebSocket connections adhere to secure communication standards.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, specifically targeting secure communication channel weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on insecure WebSocket connections, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts. Regular updates and patch management procedures should be established to ensure that future installations of the ansible automation platform utilize secure communication protocols by default, preventing similar vulnerabilities from emerging in subsequent deployments.
Security teams should conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify all instances where the vulnerable ansible automation platform components are deployed, particularly focusing on environments where network segmentation is insufficient. The implementation of proper cryptographic controls for all network communications, including WebSocket connections, represents a fundamental security requirement that addresses both current and future threats associated with insecure data transmission within automation platforms.