CVE-2024-7012 in Satellite 6
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2024
An authentication bypass vulnerability has been identified in Foreman when deployed with Gunicorn versions prior to 22.0, due to the puppet-foreman configuration. This issue arises from Apache's mod_proxy not properly unsetting headers because of restrictions on underscores in HTTP headers, allowing authentication through a malformed header. This flaw impacts all active Satellite deployments (6.13, 6.14 and 6.15) and could potentially enable unauthorized users to gain administrative access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2025
The CVE-2024-7012 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting Foreman deployments that utilize Gunicorn versions below 22.0 alongside puppet-foreman configurations. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental misconfiguration in how Apache's mod_proxy module handles HTTP headers, specifically failing to properly unset headers that contain underscores. The underlying issue manifests when the mod_proxy module encounters HTTP headers with underscores, which are typically restricted or filtered by default Apache configurations, creating a pathway for malformed header manipulation that can circumvent authentication mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP headers that contain underscores, which are commonly stripped or filtered by Apache's mod_proxy module. When Gunicorn versions prior to 22.0 process requests through Foreman's puppet-foreman integration, the improper header handling allows attackers to inject malicious authentication headers that bypass normal authentication checks. This flaw specifically impacts the Satellite 6.13, 6.14, and 6.15 deployments where the combination of Apache mod_proxy, Gunicorn, and puppet-foreman creates an environment where underscored headers can be improperly processed, enabling unauthorized access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization, and represents a classic case of insecure header handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain full administrative control over Foreman deployments. Satellite administrators face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where system integrity and access control are paramount. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Foreman serves as a central management platform for infrastructure automation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7012 require immediate action to upgrade Gunicorn to version 22.0 or later, which addresses the header processing issues that enable this authentication bypass. Organizations should also implement Apache configuration changes that properly restrict or sanitize headers containing underscores, ensuring that mod_proxy modules handle header manipulation securely. The recommended approach includes updating all Satellite deployments to supported versions, applying the latest Gunicorn releases, and implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and monitoring for anomalous header patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper header handling in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as it enables unauthorized access through manipulated authentication mechanisms.