CVE-2016-9587: Ansible - Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2016-9587: Ansible before versions 2.1.4.0, 2.2.1.0 is vulnerable to an improper input validation in Ansible's handling of data sent from client systems. Affects ansible across 2 version ranges.
< 2.1.4.0
>= 2.2.0.0, < 2.2.1.0
Fixed in 2.1.4.0 or 2.2.1.0, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- ansible · Alpine:v3.4
The same CVE-2016-9587 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 for managing and provisioning infrastructure. Ansible relies on a client-server architecture, where the client systems send facts (system information) back to the Ansible server for processing and management. This vulnerability affects Ansible versions before 2.1.4 and 2.2.1.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in Ansible is related to improper input validation in the handling of data sent from client systems. An attacker who has control over a client system being managed by Ansible and the ability to send facts back to the Ansible server can exploit this flaw. By sending maliciously crafted data, the attacker can execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server with the privileges of the Ansible server. This can lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and potential compromise of the entire Ansible infrastructure.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 14.5.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
pip install --upgrade "ansible==14.5.0"Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the versions below are the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you can't move to the latest
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 2.1.4.02.1.4.0pip install --upgrade "ansible==2.1.4.0" -
>= 2.2.0.0, < 2.2.1.02.2.1.0pip install --upgrade "ansible==2.2.1.0"
Tip — Not sure which release line you're on? Vulert can find the fix for the version you are using. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update Ansible to the fixed versions as mentioned above.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Ansible's handling of data sent from client systems can lead to arbitrary code execution on the Ansible server. It is crucial to update Ansible to the fixed versions mentioned above to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and compromise. Regularly updating to the latest stable release of Ansible is recommended to ensure the application is protected against known vulnerabilities. For additional support and assistance, reach out to DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for ansible →
FAQ
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, and compromise of the entire Ansible infrastructure.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your Ansible installation is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your Pipfile.lock and the playground will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.
There are no known public exploits for this vulnerability at the time of this report. However, it is crucial to update Ansible to the fixed versions to mitigate the risk.
No, this vulnerability requires an attacker to have control over a client system being managed by Ansible and the ability to send facts back to the Ansible server.
For further support on vulnerability remediation and assistance with securing your Ansible infrastructure, you can contact info@devnack.com.
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