CVE-2008-2157 in AlphaStor
Summary
by MITRE
robotd in the Library Manager in EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 for Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via an unspecified string field in a packet to TCP port 3500.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2157 affects the robotd component within EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 for Windows, specifically within the Library Manager functionality. This issue represents a critical remote command execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system access through a network-based attack vector targeting TCP port 3500. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the robotd service, which processes packets containing unspecified string fields that are not properly sanitized before being processed by the system. This weakness creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data within the storage environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which specifically address command injection flaws and code execution vulnerabilities. The flaw manifests when the robotd service receives packets containing malicious string data through the designated TCP port 3500, where the service fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming data before processing. This failure in input validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted and executed as system commands, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level within the storage management system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring local system access or prior authentication credentials.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations utilizing EMC AlphaStor 3.1 SP1 for Windows environments, particularly those with exposed network services or inadequate network segmentation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the robotd service account, which typically has elevated system permissions within the storage management context. The impact extends beyond simple command execution to include potential data exfiltration, system modification, and disruption of storage operations. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through this attack vector, especially in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, or government sectors where data protection is paramount.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2157 should include immediate implementation of network access controls to restrict access to TCP port 3500, particularly limiting access to trusted administrative networks and implementing proper firewall rules. Organizations should also apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by EMC to address the input validation flaws within the robotd service. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on unusual traffic patterns targeting the affected port, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within other network services. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, with potential lateral movement capabilities through T1021.002 for remote services and T1078.004 for valid accounts, highlighting the multi-stage attack potential that organizations must defend against through comprehensive security measures including privileged access management and continuous monitoring.