CVE-2017-2296 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-2296, a Denial of Service vulnerability in Puppet Enterprise versions 2017.1.x and 2017.2.1. Find out how to mitigate the issue and prevent service unavailability.
In Puppet Enterprise versions 2017.1.x and 2017.2.1, using specially structured strings with specific formatting characters can lead to service unavailability. This issue was resolved in Puppet Enterprise 2017.2.2.
Understanding CVE-2017-2296
This CVE involves a Denial of Service vulnerability in Puppet Enterprise versions 2017.1.x and 2017.2.1.
What is CVE-2017-2296?
CVE-2017-2296 is a vulnerability in Puppet Enterprise that arises when specially structured strings containing specific formatting characters are used as names for Classifier node groups or RBAC role display names, resulting in errors and service unavailability.
The Impact of CVE-2017-2296
The vulnerability can lead to service unavailability, causing a Denial of Service (DoS) condition within affected Puppet Enterprise versions.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-2296
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue occurs in Puppet Enterprise 2017.1.x and 2017.2.1 when certain formatting characters are included in strings used for Classifier node group names or RBAC role display names, leading to service errors and potential DoS.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Puppet Enterprise
- Versions Affected: 2017.1.x, 2017.2.1
- Fixed Version: 2017.2.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by crafting specially structured strings with specific formatting characters as names for Classifier node groups or RBAC role display names, triggering errors and service unavailability.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-2296 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Puppet Enterprise to version 2017.2.2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid using specially formatted strings with specific characters in node group or role names.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Puppet Enterprise to the latest secure versions.
- Educate users on safe naming conventions to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to Puppet Enterprise to address known vulnerabilities.