Critical Security Flaw in cloud-init Package: Permissions Vulnerability
Summary
ALSA-2025:10844: Important: cloud-init security update. Affects cloud-init versions < 24.4-3.el10_0.2. Fixed in 24.4-3.el10_0.2. How to fix ↓
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Background
The cloud-init package is essential for cloud instances, providing a set of initialization scripts that automate the retrieval and installation of SSH keys and allow users to execute various scripts during the instance setup. This functionality is crucial for ensuring secure and efficient cloud operations, but it also makes the package a target for vulnerabilities that could compromise cloud security.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6174 is a permissions flaw within the cloud-init package. This issue arises from inadequate permission settings, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive operations or data within cloud instances. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized users gaining access to SSH keys or executing arbitrary scripts, posing significant security risks to cloud environments.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
24.4-3.el10_0.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update cloud-initTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can restrict access to the cloud-init scripts and configuration files by modifying their permissions. This can be done using the command: 'chmod 700 /etc/cloud/cloud.cfg.d/*'. However, this is not a permanent fix and updating the package is strongly advised.
Conclusion
The cloud-init package has a critical permissions vulnerability (CVE-2024-6174) that could expose cloud instances to unauthorized access. It is crucial to update to the patched version 24.4-3.el10_0.2 to ensure security. Users should also consider implementing temporary workarounds until the update can be applied.
See every vulnerability recorded for cloud-init →
FAQ
The impact includes potential unauthorized access to SSH keys and the ability for malicious users to execute scripts, compromising the security of cloud instances.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If immediate updates are not possible, implement the suggested workaround to restrict access to cloud-init scripts until the package can be updated.
Yes, the vulnerability affects versions prior to 24.4-3.el10_0.2. Updating to this version or later is essential to mitigate the risk.
More details can be found on the CVE page associated with CVE-2024-6174, which provides insights into the vulnerability's impact and mitigation strategies.
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