CVE-2013-0570 in NOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) feature in IBM System Networking and Blade Network Technology (BNT) switches running IBM Networking Operating System (aka NOS, formerly BLADE Operating System) floods data frames with unknown MAC addresses out on all interfaces on the same VLAN, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information in opportunistic circumstances by eavesdropping on the broadcast domain. IBM X-Force ID: 83166.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0570 resides within the Fibre Channel over Ethernet implementation of IBM's networking infrastructure, specifically affecting switches operating under the IBM Networking Operating System or formerly known as BLADE Operating System. This flaw manifests in the FCoE protocol handling mechanism where the system fails to properly manage unknown MAC addresses, leading to a broadcast flood behavior that compromises network security. The issue affects IBM System Networking and Blade Network Technology switches, which are commonly deployed in enterprise data center environments where storage area networks and high-speed connectivity are critical components of the infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of data frames within the FCoE domain, where the switch's forwarding logic does not adequately filter or restrict broadcast traffic when encountering unknown destination MAC addresses.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the data link layer where the switch maintains a forwarding database for MAC address learning but fails to implement proper boundary controls for unknown unicast frames. When a frame arrives with a destination MAC address that is not present in the switch's MAC address table, the system incorrectly floods this frame across all interfaces within the same virtual local area network. This behavior violates fundamental network security principles by extending the broadcast domain beyond intended boundaries, creating opportunities for unauthorized network monitoring and information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because FCoE is designed to transport Fibre Channel traffic over Ethernet networks, making it a critical component for storage networking in enterprise environments. The improper frame flooding mechanism essentially transforms what should be a controlled, isolated network segment into a potential eavesdropping target where sensitive storage traffic could be intercepted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the network environment. Attackers who can position themselves within the same broadcast domain as the vulnerable switch can capture and analyze the flooded frames, potentially extracting sensitive data that was intended to remain isolated within the FCoE network segment. This includes storage protocols, authentication information, and potentially even application data that traverses the FCoE network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data is transmitted over FCoE networks, as it creates an opportunistic attack vector that requires minimal network proximity or sophisticated attack techniques. The security implications align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and the vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1041 for data compression and T1046 for network service scanning. The impact is exacerbated in data center environments where multiple storage networks and critical applications rely on FCoE for high-performance connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0570 should focus on implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the broadcast domain scope. Network administrators should consider deploying proper VLAN configurations and access control lists to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive network segments. The implementation of network monitoring tools can help detect unusual broadcast traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. IBM has released patches and firmware updates to address this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these updates to maintain network security. Additional protective measures include enabling port security features, implementing MAC address filtering, and configuring proper network access controls to limit the scope of potential attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper network protocol implementation and the need for robust security controls in high-speed storage networks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies that isolate critical storage networks from general-purpose network traffic to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough network testing to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing FCoE implementations while maintaining the security posture of the network infrastructure.