CVE-2011-4788 in Storageworks P2000 G3 Msa Fc
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the web interface on HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA array systems allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a pathname in the URI.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The CVE-2011-4788 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in the web interface of HP StorageWorks P2000 G3 MSA array systems, exposing organizations to significant security risks through remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically affects the management interface of HP's storage array systems, which are widely deployed in enterprise environments for data storage and management. The flaw resides in how the web interface processes URI parameters containing file paths, creating an opportunity for attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the web application layer of the storage array management interface. When remote attackers submit malicious URI requests containing absolute path references, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before processing file operations. This allows attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files outside of the intended web root directory. The vulnerability specifically impacts the way the system handles pathname parameters in web requests, enabling arbitrary file reading capabilities that can expose system configuration files, user credentials, and other sensitive data stored on the device.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to enterprise storage infrastructure security and data protection. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can gain unauthorized access to critical system files including configuration data, authentication credentials, and potentially sensitive organizational information stored within the storage array. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or network privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed storage deployments. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as access to system configuration files may enable attackers to understand the storage environment's architecture and potentially facilitate further attacks against connected systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying HP security patches and firmware updates that address the path traversal vulnerability in the web interface. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of the storage array management interfaces to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious URI patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Path Traversal) and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that enables attackers to manipulate file system access controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and defense evasion, as attackers can use the compromised system to gather information and potentially establish persistent access to storage environments.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for enterprise storage systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their storage infrastructure to identify similar path traversal issues in other components and ensure proper input validation mechanisms are in place. Regular security updates and patch management processes become critical for maintaining the security posture of storage arrays, as this vulnerability demonstrates how legacy systems can remain exposed to known exploitation techniques for extended periods without proper maintenance.