OpenStack Exposure Scanner

OpenStack is a versatile cloud computing platform used globally by organizations to build and manage both public and private clouds. It is widely adopted in industries ranging from telecommunication to finance, offering scalability and flexibility in handling cloud resources. Companies utilize OpenStack to facilitate rapid innovation, effectively manage their network of virtual machines (VMs), and optimize resource allocation dynamically. The software is regarded as a solution to avoid vendor lock-in due to its open-source nature, contributing to a significant community of developers and users focused on collaboration and advancement. By employing OpenStack, businesses can ensure efficient deployment of infrastructure as a service (IaaS), leveraging its modular architecture to cater to diverse operational needs. The platform is especially beneficial in environments that demand substantial computational power and storage capabilities, supporting complex, large-scale environments.

The vulnerability at hand involves the exposure of sensitive configuration files in OpenStack, specifically the user_secrets.yml file. This issue can lead to unauthorized access to confidential credentials embedded within the file stored in OpenStack instances. Such exposures are crucial as they may disclose crucial security parameters and potentially undermine the security posture of an organization. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could gain access to sensitive data, leading to unauthorized operations within the affected cloud environment. The detection of this exposure is vital in protecting user data and maintaining the integrity of cloud services. Identifying and remediating such exposures promptly are critical steps in securing OpenStack deployments against unauthorized access.

The vulnerability is characterized by the exposure of the user_secrets.yml file, which might contain sensitive information like passwords and configuration secrets. The accessible file paths "/user_secrets.yml" and "/user_secrets.yml.old" are indicative of this vulnerability. Within the file contents, identifiable markers such as "_password:" and "OpenStack environment" render it detectable through the scanner. If the file is accessible over HTTP with a status code of 200, it represents a direct exposure of sensitive information. Organizations must ensure these files are properly secured and not publicly accessible to mitigate potential security risks.

If exploited, the exposure of the internal user_secrets.yml file could have significant consequences for an organization. Attackers could leverage the sensitive information found within to perform unauthorized activities and gain further access to the OpenStack environment. This level of access might allow them to manipulate cloud resources, intercept sensitive communications, or disrupt service delivery. Furthermore, it could lead to data breaches, enabling malicious actors to exfiltrate confidential data or deploy further exploits within the compromised environment. The integrity and confidentiality of cloud operations could be severely compromised, leading to unforeseen financial and reputational damage for the affected organization.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.openstack.org/project-deploy-guide/openstack-ansible/stein/configure.html