1. Introduction
The vulnerability Ansible Tower 3.4.x =< 3.4.5 / 3.5.x =< 3.5.5 / 3.6.x =< 3.6.3... is an information disclosure issue affecting IT monitoring applications running on remote hosts. This means sensitive data could be exposed to unauthorized users. Systems using Ansible Tower to manage Kubernetes are most at risk. A successful exploit may lead to the compromise of confidential information, with a potential impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability exists due to an issue when managing kubernetes using the k8s module in affected versions of Ansible Tower. An attacker could potentially disclose sensitive information related to Kubernetes configurations. The version of Ansible Tower running on the remote web server is 3.4.x equal or prior to 3.4.5, or 3.5.x equal or prior to 3.5.5, or 3.6.x equal or prior to 3.6.3.
- Root cause: The vulnerability is caused by insufficient data handling when interacting with the Kubernetes API through the k8s module.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could exploit this issue by sending crafted requests to the Ansible Tower server while managing a Kubernetes cluster, potentially revealing sensitive information in the response.
- Scope: Affected platforms include systems running Ansible Tower versions 3.4.x equal or prior to 3.4.5, 3.5.x equal or prior to 3.5.5, and 3.6.x equal or prior to 3.6.3.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm if a system is vulnerable, check the Ansible Tower version. A thorough method involves reviewing logs for suspicious activity related to Kubernetes module usage.
- Quick checks: Use the command line interface or web UI to determine the installed Ansible Tower version.
- Scanning: No specific signature IDs are available at this time, but standard vulnerability scanners may identify outdated software versions.
- Logs and evidence: Review Ansible Tower logs for any errors or unusual activity related to the k8s module when managing Kubernetes clusters.
ansible-tower --version4. Solution / Remediation Steps
To fix this issue, contact the vendor for a solution. This likely involves upgrading Ansible Tower to a patched version.
4.1 Preparation
- There are no known dependencies, but ensure you have sufficient disk space for the upgrade process. A roll back plan involves restoring from backup if the upgrade fails.
- Change windows may be required depending on your environment and service level agreements. Approval from relevant stakeholders may be necessary.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Contact Red Hat support or consult their security advisories for the latest patch information.
- Step 2: Download and install the appropriate Ansible Tower patch according to vendor instructions.
- Step 3: Verify the installation was successful by checking the updated version number.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# Ansible Tower version 3.4.x (example)After
# Ansible Tower version 3.4.6 or later (example)4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege limits the impact if exploited, while a regular patch cadence ensures timely updates. Input validation blocks unsafe data and secure defaults reduce attack surfaces.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege access control to limit user permissions within Ansible Tower.
- Practice 2: Establish a regular patch management process to ensure that Ansible Tower is updated with the latest security fixes.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No automation script available as this requires vendor-provided patches.5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Run `ansible-tower –version` and confirm the output shows version 3.4.6 or later, or equivalent patched version.
- Re-test: Re-run the command line interface or web UI check to verify the updated version number.
- Smoke test: Verify that you can successfully connect to Ansible Tower and manage Kubernetes clusters without errors.
ansible-tower --version6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines or policies to require patched versions of Ansible Tower. Add checks in CI/CD pipelines to prevent deployment of vulnerable software. Implement a sensible patch review cycle that fits the risk profile.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to include the latest Ansible Tower version requirements.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for Ansible Tower, based on vendor advisories and risk assessments.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 2: Service interruption during the upgrade process. Mitigation: Schedule the upgrade during a maintenance window and communicate any potential downtime to users.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2020-1753
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2020-1753
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1811008