CVE-2017-7466 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-7466, a vulnerability in Ansible before version 2.3 that allows attackers to execute unauthorized code on the server. Find mitigation steps and best practices here.
Ansible before version 2.3 is vulnerable to an input validation weakness that could allow an attacker to execute unauthorized code on the Ansible server.
Understanding CVE-2017-7466
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Ansible that could lead to the execution of unauthorized code on the server.
What is CVE-2017-7466?
Prior to version 2.3, Ansible is susceptible to an input validation weakness concerning the management of data transmitted from client systems. Exploiting this vulnerability would require an attacker to possess control over a client system controlled by Ansible and the capability to send facts back to the Ansible server. By leveraging this flaw, the attacker could potentially execute unauthorized code on the Ansible server utilizing the server's privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2017-7466
- CVSS Score: 8.0 (High)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: Required
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
Technical Details of CVE-2017-7466
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
Ansible before version 2.3 has an input validation vulnerability in the handling of data sent from client systems. An attacker with control over a client system being managed by Ansible, and the ability to send facts back to the Ansible server, could use this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server using the Ansible server privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Ansible
- Affected Version: 2.3
Exploitation Mechanism
The attacker needs control over a client system managed by Ansible and the ability to send facts back to the Ansible server to exploit this vulnerability.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2017-7466 with the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Ansible to version 2.3 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to client systems managed by Ansible.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Ansible to the latest version.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Ansible to apply patches promptly.