CVE-2013-4183 in Cinder
Summary
by MITRE
The clear_volume function in LVMVolumeDriver driver in OpenStack Cinder 2013.1.1 through 2013.1.2 does not properly clear data when deleting a snapshot, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4183 resides within the LVMVolumeDriver component of OpenStack Cinder, specifically affecting versions 2013.1.1 through 2013.1.2. This issue manifests in the clear_volume function which is responsible for sanitizing data during snapshot deletion operations. The flaw represents a critical security oversight that undermines the integrity of data protection mechanisms within cloud storage environments. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure Through Output Cleaning," and falls under the broader category of data sanitization failures in cloud infrastructure components. The affected OpenStack Cinder implementation fails to properly overwrite or erase data when snapshots are deleted, creating potential information leakage pathways that could compromise sensitive data stored within virtualized storage environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate data clearing procedures within the LVMVolumeDriver's snapshot deletion workflow. When a snapshot is removed from the system, the clear_volume function should ensure complete data sanitization through proper overwrite operations or secure deletion techniques. However, the function fails to execute these critical steps effectively, leaving residual data accessible to unauthorized local users. This weakness operates at the intersection of storage management and information security, where the failure to properly clear storage volumes creates persistent data remnants that could be recovered through various forensic techniques. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that multiple recovery methods may be available to exploit this weakness, potentially including direct disk access, memory analysis, or specialized data recovery tools. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the storage lifecycle management process where data deletion does not meet minimum security requirements for sensitive information handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4183 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass broader security implications for cloud environments utilizing OpenStack Cinder. Local users with access to the system can potentially recover sensitive information that was previously stored within deleted snapshots, creating risks for data confidentiality and compliance requirements. This vulnerability directly affects organizations that rely on cloud storage for sensitive workloads, as it undermines the assurance that deleted data is truly removed from storage systems. The security implications are particularly severe in multi-tenant environments where snapshot deletion operations may occur frequently, as each deletion event creates potential data leakage opportunities. The vulnerability also impacts the overall trust model of cloud storage systems, as users may lose confidence in the data sanitization capabilities of their storage infrastructure. From an attacker's perspective, this weakness provides a potential entry point for information gathering and reconnaissance activities, enabling more sophisticated attacks that leverage recovered data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4183 must address both immediate operational concerns and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of OpenStack Cinder that properly implement secure data clearing mechanisms in snapshot deletion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing proper cryptographic wiping techniques or secure deletion protocols that ensure complete data erasure from storage volumes. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to storage volumes that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security controls should be enhanced to include regular audits of storage deletion operations and verification that proper sanitization procedures are being executed. The mitigation process aligns with ATT&CK technique T1567.002, which addresses "Exfiltration Over Web Service" through proper data sanitization, and reflects the importance of implementing proper information security controls throughout the data lifecycle. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to address potential data leakage scenarios arising from storage sanitization failures. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that data clearing operations are functioning correctly and that no residual data remains accessible to unauthorized users.