OpenShift Remote Code Execution (RCE) Scanner

OpenShift is widely used by large organizations to build, modernize, and deploy cloud-based applications at scale. It provides developers with a unified platform for application deployment, management, and operational tasks. Enterprises rely on OpenShift for fostering innovation while maintaining operational efficiency. It supports various application programming environments, making it versatile for use across multiple sectors including finance, healthcare, and retail. OpenShift is an open-source container application platform that automates the complexities of managing multiple environments. Organizations use OpenShift for its robust infrastructure and its ability to integrate with a wide array of services.

This vulnerability pertains to the Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability caused by the Log4j JNDI mechanism. The Log4j vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, leading to potentially severe security breaches. Attackers may exploit the Log4j JNDI predisposition to render systems vulnerable by injecting specially crafted payloads. This intrusion allows them to bypass security measures, execute system commands, and access sensitive data. The vulnerability affects OpenShift as it uses Log4j for logging functionalities. Log4j's indiscriminate treatment of data input to the LDAP server makes it particularly susceptible to RCE attacks.

Technical details of this vulnerability involve the use of JNDI lookup capabilities in Log4j, specifically the LDAP endpoint, which reads and executes external commands. The vulnerability is triggered by crafted log messages containing a malicious JNDI lookup pattern. Attackers can exploit this by embedding the pattern within parameter inputs, which when logged, triggers remote code execution. The OpenShift authentication endpoint is a critical vector for this attack, leveraging URL encoding and HTTP POST requests. Attackers use DNS and LDAP interactions to execute and confirm code execution. The exploitation can be done remotely with minimal interaction required from the user, thereby increasing the risk level.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially taking control of affected systems. It can lead to data breaches where confidential information is leaked or manipulated. Additionally, unauthorized access can be gained, allowing attackers to escalate privileges or install malware. The implications include significant downtime, data loss, and compromised system integrity. The involvement of third-party plugins and integrations increases the complexity and potential attack surface of this vulnerability.

REFERENCES

• https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2021-44228