CVE-2014-6414

What it actually does

Allows remote authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and reset admin network attributes to default values via the Neutron API.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers with valid credentials could alter network configuration defaults in OpenStack deployments, potentially disrupting connectivity, weakening segmentation policies, or exposing resources; the issue is long-public with stable low exploit probability and no known ransomware use.

How an attack unfolds

An authenticated user sends specially crafted API requests to Neutron that manipulate privileged network attributes without the required administrative rights, causing them to revert to defaults.

How to fix it

Upgrade OpenStack Neutron to version 2014.2.4 or 2014.1.2 or later; apply the listed fixed packages for any affected Ubuntu components such as chromium-browser 37.0.2062.94-0ubuntu0.14.04.1~pkg1042 and oxide-qt 1.1.2-0ubuntu0.14.04.1.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify Neutron package versions meet or exceed the fixed releases and test that non-admin users can no longer modify admin-only network attributes through the API.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain valid OpenStack credentials
2. Interact with the Neutron API endpoint
3. Submit requests that target admin network attributes
4. Observe attribute reset to defaults

How to detect it

Review Neutron API logs for unusual attribute modification requests from non-admin accounts; check historical audit records for network resource changes around the time of the request.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching Neutron instances to the fixed releases
• Audit existing network attribute configurations for unexpected defaults
• Review authentication and role assignments to limit exposure
• Monitor for any legacy deployments still running vulnerable versions