CVE-2024-47533 Scanner

Cobbler is a Linux installation server commonly utilized by IT professionals and system administrators for efficiently setting up network installations. This software greatly aids in automating and managing network installations for new systems and environments. Organizations that frequently deploy Linux systems use Cobbler to streamline processes, reducing overhead and time to deploy. Given its network configuration capabilities, it's often found in environments requiring rapid deployment and configuration. Cobbler's ease of integration with various Linux distributions makes it a popular choice among numerous enterprises and environments demanding efficient and scalable deployment solutions.

The vulnerability in question pertains to an improper authentication mechanism within the Cobbler 'XML-RPC' component. This specific security flaw fails to properly verify authentication credentials, potentially allowing unauthorized access. The flaw, starting in version 3.0.0, does not require legitimate user credentials for access to be granted. This vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access to control Cobbler servers fully. The problem was addressed and resolved in versions 3.2.3 and 3.3.7, reinforcing security protocols by correcting credential verification.

Technical details of this vulnerability relate to the improper functioning of the `utils.get_shared_secret()` function. In compromised versions, this function consistently returns '-1,' permitting any remote user to bypass authentication processes. The weak authentication check allows user `''` with password '-1' to authenticate and gain access, leading to full control over the server configurations and deployments managed by Cobbler. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires network access to an affected Cobbler server. Therefore, endpoint exposure in vulnerable server versions offers attackers significant access opportunities.

Exploiting this vulnerability can have severe consequences, including unauthorized modifications to deployment configurations. Attackers could deploy rogue configurations, disrupt legitimate setups, or completely takeover the deployment pipeline, leading to extensive operational disruptions. Furthermore, the compromised system's integrity is at risk, allowing for possible introduction of malicious software across affected deployment projects. Successful exploitation could lead to undesired system configurations, granting attackers administrative control over deployments.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/cobbler/cobbler/commit/32c5cada013dc8daa7320a8eda9932c2814742b0
• https://github.com/cobbler/cobbler/commit/e19717623c10b29e7466ed4ab23515a94beb2dda
• https://github.com/cobbler/cobbler/security/advisories/GHSA-m26c-fcgh-cp6h