CVE-2021-45083 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about the CVE-2021-45083 vulnerability in Cobbler that exposes sensitive information to local users. Find out the impacted systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
An issue in Cobbler before 3.3.1 allows sensitive information exposure to local users due to world-readable files in /etc/cobbler.
Understanding CVE-2021-45083
What is CVE-2021-45083?
The vulnerability in Cobbler exposes sensitive data like user digests and hashed default passwords to non-privileged local users.
The Impact of CVE-2021-45083
The exposure of sensitive information can lead to the compromise of user credentials and system security.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-45083
Vulnerability Description
Files in /etc/cobbler are world-readable, including users.digest and settings.yaml, containing sensitive information.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cobbler
- Version: <3.3.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Local non-privileged users can easily access sensitive information leading to potential credential theft.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Restrict file permissions in /etc/cobbler to prevent unauthorized access.
- Rotate user passwords regularly, especially if default passwords are used.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement the principle of least privilege for user access.
- Regularly audit file permissions and access controls.
- Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.
Patching and Updates
Update Cobbler to version 3.3.1 or later to address the vulnerability.