CVE-2020-1738: Argument Injection in Ansible
Summary
CVE-2020-1738: Argument Injection in Ansible. Affects ansible across 3 version ranges.
< 2.7.16
>= 2.8.0a1, <= 2.8.10
>= 2.9.0a1, <= 2.9.6
No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- ansible · Debian:11
The same CVE-2020-1738 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Ansible is an open-source automation tool that allows users to automate IT tasks such as configuration management, application deployment, and orchestration. It is widely used in the industry due to its simplicity and flexibility. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in Ansible Engine that affects versions 2.7.x, 2.8.x, and 2.9.x. This vulnerability arises when the module package or service is used without specifying the 'use' parameter. If a previous task is executed by a malicious user, the attacker can manipulate the ansible facts file to select the module sent, leading to potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Ansible Engine allows an attacker to perform argument injection. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker can manipulate the ansible facts file to select a specific module, potentially leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 3.9, indicating a moderate severity level. It is important to note that this vulnerability affects all versions in the 2.7.x, 2.8.x, and 2.9.x branches of Ansible.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can manually specify the 'use' parameter when using the module package or service in Ansible. By explicitly defining the 'use' parameter, the vulnerability can be mitigated. Here is an example of how to use the 'use' parameter:
- name: Example playbook
hosts: localhost
tasks:
- name: Install package package: name: mypackage use: yum
By specifying 'use: yum', the 'yum' package manager will be used, reducing the risk of exploitation.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Ansible Engine (CVE-2020-1738) poses a moderate risk to affected systems. It is crucial to upgrade to a patched version of Ansible (2.9.20 or later) and review any affected playbooks or configurations. By following the recommended steps, users can mitigate the risk of exploitation. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Ansible is an open-source automation tool used for configuration management, application deployment, and orchestration. It simplifies IT tasks by allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and manage infrastructure efficiently.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to perform argument injection, potentially leading to unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities. It is important to patch affected Ansible installations to mitigate the risk.
The vulnerability affects all versions in the 2.7.x, 2.8.x, and 2.9.x branches of Ansible. It is recommended to upgrade to version 2.9.20 or later to fix the vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Ansible version 2.9.20 or later. Users should also review and update any affected playbooks or configurations.
Yes, a temporary workaround is to manually specify the 'use' parameter when using the module package or service in Ansible. By explicitly defining the 'use' parameter, the vulnerability can be mitigated.
References
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