Rundeck Remote Code Execution (RCE) Scanner

Rundeck is an open-source software used for automation of complex workflows and tasks. It is operable through a web-based user interface and serves diverse industries for process automation. Enterprises utilize Rundeck for its flexibility in handling various execution frameworks on different machines and environments. Designed to manage and schedule automation processes, Rundeck supports a wide array of plugins and integrations with other tools. Organizations deploy Rundeck in development, testing, and production environments to streamline operations and reduce manual task processing. Its user community ranges from small businesses to large corporations seeking efficient and reliable automation solutions.

The vulnerability identified in Rundeck involves Remote Code Execution (RCE) via the Apache Log4j framework. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems resulting in severe security impacts. Cybercriminals can exploit this to inject and run malware, compromise sensitive data, or take full control of the targeted infrastructure. The RCE vulnerability arises from improper input handling through the JNDI lookup feature in Log4j. It is critical as it permits unauthorized access without prior authentication, posing a significant risk to exposed and misconfigured systems. Immediate attention and patching are mandatory to mitigate potential threats associated with this vulnerability.

Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability targets the Apache Log4j library used within Rundeck. The exploitation involves sending crafted HTTP POST requests to the vulnerable '/j_security_check' endpoint. This happens using the JNDI LDAP protocol, manipulated through a specially formatted path in user-supplied input. The flawed implementation of message lookups in Log4j allows execution of remote code via these inputs. The vulnerability is present when the input is not correctly sanitized, leading to potential compromise. The attack requires network access to the vulnerable server hosting Rundeck for successful exploitation.

When exploited, the RCE vulnerability can lead to several detrimental effects, including unauthorized data access, system manipulation, and disruption of network operations. Malicious actors may utilize the vulnerability to inject ransomware or other forms of malware leading to financial and reputational damage. The remote execution ability could result in loss of sensitive information, unauthorized file downloads, or alterations in configuration. A system compromise can also trigger further attacks on connected networks and systems. Organizations may face legal repercussions and compliance issues upon breach due to unpatched vulnerabilities.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.rundeck.com/docs/history/CVEs/log4j.html
• https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228