Ansible mysql_user Module Password Change Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2016-8647: An input validation vulnerability was found in Ansible's mysql_user module before 2.2.1.0, which may fail to correctly change a password in certain circumstances. Affects ansible across 2 version ranges.
< 2.2.0.0-4
< 53629100006d1d8eebe3447235f8b4bf048a3dc0
Fixed in 2.2.0.0-4. How to fix ↓
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Background
Ansible is an open-source automation tool that simplifies the management of IT infrastructure. It allows users to automate tasks such as configuration management, application deployment, and orchestration. The mysql_user module is specifically designed for managing MySQL user accounts and permissions. However, prior to version 2.2.1.0, this module contained an input validation vulnerability that could prevent the successful change of user passwords under certain conditions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-8647, arises from inadequate input validation within the mysql_user module of Ansible. This flaw can lead to situations where a password change request fails, leaving the previous password active when it should have been updated. The potential ramifications include unauthorized access to MySQL databases, as users may continue to use old passwords despite attempts to enforce new ones. This vulnerability affects various Debian ecosystems and is critical for users relying on the mysql_user module for secure database management.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.2.0.0-4
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade ansibleTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to manually verify and reset the MySQL user passwords directly through the MySQL command line interface. This can be done by executing the following commands:
mysql -u root -p
Then, within the MySQL shell, use the following command to change the password:
ALTER USER 'username'@'host' IDENTIFIED BY 'new_password';
Conclusion
The input validation vulnerability in the Ansible mysql_user module poses a significant risk to database security by potentially allowing unauthorized access through unchanged passwords. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this risk. For those unable to upgrade immediately, manual password resets via MySQL are recommended as a temporary measure.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-8647 is a vulnerability in the Ansible mysql_user module that may fail to change a password correctly, allowing the previous password to remain active.
Versions of Ansible prior to 2.2.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
The main risk is unauthorized access to MySQL databases, as users may continue to use old passwords despite attempts to enforce new ones.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.9, indicating a moderate level of severity.
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