CVE-2017-7466: Ansible Input Validation Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2017-7466: Ansible before version 2.3 has an input validation vulnerability in the handling of data sent from client systems. Affects ansible versions < 2.3.0.0. Fixed in 2.3.0.0. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- ansible · Debian:11
The same CVE-2017-7466 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 DevOps environments to simplify and streamline infrastructure management. The vulnerability in Ansible version 2.3 and earlier involves a lack of input validation when handling data sent from client systems. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker with control over a client system managed by Ansible to execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server using its privileges.
Vulnerability Detail
The input validation vulnerability in Ansible allows an attacker to send manipulated facts from a client system to the Ansible server. By exploiting this flaw, the attacker can execute arbitrary code on the server with the privileges of the Ansible server. This can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the server and the systems it manages. It is important to note that this vulnerability only affects Ansible versions up to 2.3.0.0.
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 version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
2.3.0.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "ansible==2.3.0.0"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended solution is to upgrade to a fixed version of Ansible.
Conclusion
The input validation vulnerability in Ansible versions up to 2.3.0.0 can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to a fixed version of Ansible. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for ansible →
FAQ
Ansible is an open-source automation tool used for configuration management, application deployment, and orchestration.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the Ansible server, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the server and managed systems.
This vulnerability affects Ansible versions up to 2.3.0.0.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade to Ansible version 2.3.0.0 or later.
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. Upgrading to a fixed version of Ansible is the recommended solution.
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