CVE-2014-2629 in NonStop Safeguard Security
Summary
by MITRE
HP NonStop Safeguard Security Software G, H06.03 through H06.28.01, and J06.03 through J06.17.01 does not properly evaluate the DISKFILE-PATTERN ACL of a program object file, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended restrictions on program access via vectors related to process-creation time.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-2629 represents a critical access control flaw within HP NonStop Safeguard Security Software, specifically affecting versions G, H06.03 through H06.28.01, and J06.03 through J06.17.01. This issue resides in the discretionary access control mechanism that governs program object file permissions, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. The flaw manifests during process creation time when the system fails to properly evaluate the DISKFILE-PATTERN access control list associated with program objects, allowing unauthorized access to restricted programs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of access control lists during program execution initialization. When a process is created, the system should rigorously check the DISKFILE-PATTERN ACL to ensure that only authorized users can access specific program objects. However, the flaw allows attackers to bypass these intended restrictions by manipulating the process creation sequence, effectively circumventing the security controls that should prevent unauthorized program access. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284, which describes improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate discretionary access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to system resources. The issue demonstrates a classic case of privilege escalation through flawed access control evaluation during system runtime.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious code, escalate privileges, or gain access to sensitive system resources that should remain protected. Remote authenticated users who can create processes within the system can exploit this weakness to bypass intended security boundaries, undermining the fundamental security model of the NonStop Safeguard Security Software. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share system resources and where strict access controls are essential for maintaining system integrity. The ability to bypass program access restrictions during process creation time creates a persistent security risk that can be leveraged for further exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to move laterally within the system or access confidential data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2629 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest secure versions of HP NonStop Safeguard Security Software. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews to identify and remediate any additional configuration issues that might compound the vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous process creation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be reinforced, ensuring that users have minimal necessary access rights to prevent unauthorized program execution. Security teams should also consider implementing additional logging and alerting mechanisms specifically focused on process creation events and access control violations to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the use of legitimate credentials to bypass security controls, and demonstrates how flawed access control implementations can create persistent backdoors for attackers. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar access control weaknesses in their broader system landscape and ensure proper implementation of access control policies throughout their infrastructure.