CVE-2008-0708 in ProLiant
Summary
by MITRE
HP USB 2.0 Floppy Drive Key product options (1) 442084-B21 and (2) 442085-B21 for certain HP ProLiant servers contain the (a) W32.Fakerecy and (b) W32.SillyFDC worms, which might be launched if the server does not have up-to-date detection.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-0708 represents a significant security risk associated with specific HP ProLiant server hardware components. This issue affects HP USB 2.0 Floppy Drive Key products with model numbers 442084-B21 and 442085-B21, which were distributed as part of certain server configurations. The flaw manifests through the presence of malicious software within the hardware's firmware or initialization code, specifically containing two distinct worm variants that pose different threat vectors to affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of malware within legitimate hardware components, creating a sophisticated attack vector that bypasses traditional software-based security measures. The W32.Fakerecy and W32.SillyFDC worms represent different strains of malicious code that can propagate through the system's USB interfaces and potentially spread to other networked devices. These worms are particularly concerning because they are embedded within hardware firmware rather than being delivered through software downloads or network attacks, making them more difficult to detect and remove through conventional security protocols.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates a persistent threat to server environments that rely on these specific hardware components. The impact extends beyond simple malware infection to potentially compromise entire server fleets if multiple units are deployed with the affected hardware. The worms can establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or create conditions that allow for further exploitation of the server infrastructure. Organizations using HP ProLiant servers with these specific floppy drive key models face the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise that could affect business continuity and regulatory compliance.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for execution through legitimate system interfaces and T1078 for valid accounts usage. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages hardware-level persistence mechanisms rather than traditional software-based infection methods. The presence of these worms in hardware components also demonstrates the growing concern around supply chain attacks and the need for hardware-level security verification. Organizations should implement comprehensive hardware inventory tracking and verification processes to identify affected components. Mitigation strategies include immediate replacement of the affected hardware components, deployment of network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for worm activity, and implementation of strict firmware update policies. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security intelligence and the need for regular hardware security assessments to identify potential malware embedded within legitimate components. This case underscores the necessity of hardware-based security measures and the integration of physical security controls into overall cybersecurity frameworks.