CVE-2024-47533 in cobbler
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2024
Cobbler, a Linux installation server that allows for rapid setup of network installation environments, has an improper authentication vulnerability starting in version 3.0.0 and prior to versions 3.2.3 and 3.3.7. `utils.get_shared_secret()` always returns `-1`, which allows anyone to connect to cobbler XML-RPC as user `''` password `-1` and make any changes. This gives anyone with network access to a cobbler server full control of the server. Versions 3.2.3 and 3.3.7 fix the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47533 represents a critical authentication flaw in Cobbler, a widely used Linux installation server designed to facilitate rapid network installation environment setup. This issue affects Cobbler versions 3.0.0 through 3.2.2 and 3.3.6, creating a severe security weakness that fundamentally undermines the integrity of the system's access controls. The flaw stems from a critical design error in the authentication mechanism where the `utils.get_shared_secret()` function consistently returns the value -1, effectively bypassing proper credential validation. This improper authentication vulnerability creates a backdoor that allows any network-connected attacker to establish a valid XML-RPC connection to the Cobbler server using the default username '' and password -1, providing them with complete administrative control over the system. The implications of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it grants attackers the ability to modify installation configurations, manage system resources, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure that Cobbler serves.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. This weakness specifically manifests as a hardcoded credential scenario where the system fails to properly authenticate users through legitimate means, instead relying on a predictable and insecure default value. The flaw operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically within the authentication and access control mechanisms of the Cobbler XML-RPC service. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the XML-RPC interface to execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, and gain complete administrative privileges without requiring legitimate credentials or authorization. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core functionality of Cobbler's installation management capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated deployment and configuration management are critical. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with a persistent backdoor that can be exploited from any network location with access to the Cobbler server's XML-RPC port.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-47533 is catastrophic for any organization relying on Cobbler for system deployment and management. Once exploited, attackers can perform complete system compromise operations including modifying installation templates, altering network configurations, and potentially deploying malicious code across multiple systems within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized knowledge or advanced techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by adversaries of varying skill levels. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting the T1078 - Valid Accounts technique where attackers establish persistence using legitimate credentials. The vulnerability's presence in Cobbler's authentication system creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the flawed authentication mechanism remains functional until the software is upgraded to versions 3.2.3 or 3.3.7. Organizations using Cobbler in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the lack of proper access controls and authentication enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47533 require immediate action to address the authentication flaw through software updates to versions 3.2.3 or 3.3.7 where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to Cobbler's XML-RPC ports, ensuring that only authorized administrative systems can reach the service. Additional protective measures include implementing network access controls using firewalls to restrict access to Cobbler services, monitoring for unauthorized XML-RPC connections, and conducting thorough security audits of Cobbler configurations. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish comprehensive logging of all Cobbler service activities. The patching process requires careful planning and testing to ensure that the updated Cobbler version maintains compatibility with existing deployment configurations and automation scripts. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and implement additional controls such as multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. The remediation process should include validating that the authentication mechanism now properly enforces credential validation and that the `utils.get_shared_secret()` function operates correctly to prevent future occurrences of this type of flaw.