CVE-2010-2224 in Enterprise Virtualization Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The snapshot merging functionality in Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager (aka RHEV-M) before 2.2 does not properly pass the postzero parameter during operations on deleted volumes, which allows guest OS users to obtain sensitive information by examining the disk blocks associated with a deleted virtual machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2224 affects Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager versions prior to 2.2, specifically targeting the snapshot merging functionality within the virtualization infrastructure. This flaw resides in the management layer of the virtualization platform and represents a critical information disclosure issue that could potentially compromise the integrity of virtual machine storage operations. The vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling during volume operations on deleted virtual machines, creating a scenario where sensitive data may persist in disk blocks beyond the intended deletion lifecycle.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the snapshot merging process where the postzero parameter fails to be correctly transmitted during operations on volumes that have already been marked for deletion. This parameter is crucial for ensuring that data blocks are properly zeroed out after deletion to prevent data recovery. The absence of proper parameter passing creates a condition where deleted virtual machine storage volumes retain remnants of their original data, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information through direct examination of the underlying disk blocks. This issue falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a failure in proper data sanitization during virtual machine lifecycle management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage, as it fundamentally compromises the security assumptions of virtual machine deletion processes. Guest operating system users who gain access to the underlying storage layer can potentially reconstruct portions of deleted virtual machine data, including confidential information, credentials, or application data that should have been permanently removed. This vulnerability affects the core virtualization management capabilities and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on virtualized environments for data isolation and security. The attack vector requires access to the storage layer or the ability to examine disk blocks directly, which may be achievable through various attack paths including compromised guest operating systems or direct storage access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager version 2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly handle the postzero parameter during volume operations. Additional protective measures include implementing proper storage access controls, monitoring for unauthorized access to virtual machine storage volumes, and ensuring that storage devices undergo proper sanitization procedures after virtual machine deletion. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and handling in virtualization management systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1567.002 for "Exfiltration Over Web Service" and highlighting the need for secure virtual machine lifecycle management practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of virtualization management interfaces and storage systems to prevent unauthorized examination of deleted virtual machine data.