CVE-2012-0706 in Scale Out Network Attached Storage
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage (SONAS) 1.3 before 1.3.2.3 requires cleartext storage of LDAP credentials without recommending a less privileged LDAP account, which might allow attackers to obtain sensitive server information by leveraging root access to a client machine.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0706 affects IBM Scale Out Network Attached Storage (SONAS) version 1.3 before 1.3.2.3, representing a significant security flaw in enterprise storage infrastructure. This issue stems from the improper handling of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol credentials within the storage system's configuration. The vulnerability creates a dangerous situation where authentication credentials are stored in cleartext format rather than being properly encrypted or hashed, exposing sensitive information to potential attackers who gain access to client machines with root privileges.
The technical implementation flaw lies in the storage mechanism used for LDAP credentials within the SONAS system, which violates fundamental security principles for credential management. According to CWE-312, this represents a cleartext storage of a sensitive credential, a weakness that directly enables attackers to extract authentication information from system files or memory dumps. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when an attacker achieves root access on a client machine, as this level of privilege allows direct access to the stored credentials without additional authentication barriers. This scenario creates a privilege escalation pathway that could lead to unauthorized access to the entire LDAP directory structure that the storage system relies upon.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire storage infrastructure and associated data. When combined with root access, attackers can leverage these stored credentials to authenticate to LDAP services and gain access to sensitive directory information, potentially including user accounts, group memberships, and other critical enterprise data. The vulnerability also creates a persistent threat vector where compromised credentials can be reused across multiple systems, amplifying the attack surface and potentially enabling lateral movement within the network. This weakness particularly affects organizations that rely on centralized authentication systems, as it undermines the security model that assumes LDAP credentials provide protection against unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to IBM SONAS version 1.3.2.3 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through improved credential storage mechanisms. The remediation process should also include implementing least privilege principles by configuring LDAP accounts with minimal required permissions rather than using administrative accounts for storage system operations. Security configurations should enforce encrypted credential storage and regular credential rotation policies to reduce the window of opportunity for attackers. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of storage systems to unauthorized access, particularly preventing direct root access to client machines. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other systems that might store credentials in cleartext and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials in files, emphasizing the need for proper credential handling across all enterprise systems.