CVE-2007-3232 in TotalStorage DS400
Summary
by MITRE
The IBM TotalStorage DS400 with firmware 4.15 uses a blank password for the (1) root, (2) user, (3) manager, (4) administrator, and (5) operator accounts, which allows remote attackers to gain login access via certain Linux daemons, including a telnet daemon on a nonstandard port, tcp/6000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3232 represents a critical security flaw in IBM TotalStorage DS400 storage arrays running firmware version 4.15. This issue stems from the improper configuration of default administrative accounts within the storage system's authentication framework. The affected device employs blank passwords for multiple privileged accounts including root, user, manager, administrator, and operator roles, creating a fundamental weakness in the system's access control mechanisms that directly violates security best practices established by industry standards such as those outlined in CWE-521. The presence of these default credentials with empty password fields creates an immediately exploitable condition that allows unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges without any authentication requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the use of Linux daemons running on the storage array, specifically targeting the telnet daemon that operates on the nonstandard port tcp/6000. This daemon configuration represents a significant security risk as it provides an unauthenticated entry point for remote attackers who can leverage the blank passwords to establish administrative sessions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security configuration management where default accounts are not properly secured or disabled, allowing attackers to bypass all authentication mechanisms. The use of nonstandard ports such as tcp/6000 may provide a false sense of security but does not mitigate the underlying authentication weakness, making this a classic example of security through obscurity failing to address fundamental design flaws. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1110 (Brute Force) tactics, as attackers can leverage legitimate accounts with weak authentication to gain system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data compromise, system manipulation, and complete administrative control over the storage array. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can perform operations such as modifying storage configurations, accessing sensitive data stored on the array, altering access controls, and potentially disrupting storage services. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device, making the threat surface significantly broader. Organizations using affected IBM TotalStorage DS400 systems face risks of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties, particularly in environments where storage arrays contain sensitive or regulated information. This vulnerability also represents a significant risk to network infrastructure as compromised storage arrays can serve as stepping stones for lateral movement within networks, potentially leading to further system compromises and extended attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary immediate action should involve changing all default passwords to strong, unique credentials that meet industry standards for password complexity and rotation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to the storage array's management interfaces and disable unnecessary services such as the telnet daemon in favor of more secure alternatives like SSH. The configuration should include disabling default accounts that are not actively required for system operation, as outlined in the principle of least privilege. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations in other storage systems and network devices. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual login patterns or unauthorized access attempts to storage management interfaces, and access controls should be implemented to restrict management access to specific IP addresses or network segments. These measures align with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for access control and configuration management, ensuring that the remediation efforts address not just this specific vulnerability but also strengthen overall security posture.