CVE-2024-44082 in Ironic
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2024
In OpenStack Ironic before 26.0.1 and ironic-python-agent before 9.13.1, there is a vulnerability in image processing, in which a crafted image could be used by an authenticated user to exploit undesired behaviors in qemu-img, including possible unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data. The affected/fixed version details are: Ironic: <21.4.3, >=22.0.0 <23.0.2, >=23.1.0 <24.1.2, >=25.0.0 <26.0.1; Ironic-python-agent: <9.4.2, >=9.5.0 <9.7.1, >=9.8.0 <9.11.1, >=9.12.0 <9.13.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-44082 affects OpenStack Ironic and its associated ironic-python-agent components, representing a critical security flaw in image processing workflows that could enable unauthorized data access. This vulnerability specifically targets the qemu-img utility which is commonly used for disk image manipulation within OpenStack environments. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization when processing crafted images, allowing authenticated users to potentially exploit underlying behaviors in qemu-img that could lead to information disclosure or other unauthorized access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of image files during the provisioning process within Ironic's image management system. When an authenticated user uploads or processes a maliciously crafted image, the system passes this input directly to qemu-img without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This creates a potential attack surface where crafted image parameters could trigger unintended behaviors in qemu-img, potentially exposing sensitive data or allowing privilege escalation within the provisioning environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate system components rather than introducing new attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability could enable authenticated attackers with access to Ironic's provisioning interface to potentially extract sensitive information from the system. The exploitation could result in unauthorized access to data that should remain protected within the provisioning environment, including potentially sensitive metadata, configuration information, or even underlying storage contents. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the OpenStack infrastructure. Organizations relying on Ironic for bare metal provisioning would face significant risk if this vulnerability were exploited in production environments.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insecure image processing can lead to broader security implications. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability could map to ATT&CK techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts usage and T1566 for malicious image loading. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to the fixed versions of both Ironic and ironic-python-agent components, specifically ensuring that versions meet the requirements of 26.0.1 for Ironic and 9.13.1 for ironic-python-agent. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around Ironic components, along with monitoring for unusual image processing activities, would provide additional defensive layers against potential exploitation attempts.