CVE-2015-0528 in Isilon OneFS
Summary
by MITRE
The RPC daemon in EMC Isilon OneFS 6.5.x and 7.0.x before 7.0.2.13, 7.1.0 before 7.1.0.6, 7.1.1 before 7.1.1.2, and 7.2.0 before 7.2.0.1 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging an ability to modify system files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0528 affects the Remote Procedure Call daemon within EMC Isilon OneFS storage systems across multiple version ranges including 6.5.x and 7.0.x before specific patch levels, as well as 7.1.0 before 7.1.0.6, 7.1.1 before 7.1.1.2, and 7.2.0 before 7.2.0.1. This issue represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that enables local attackers to elevate their system privileges through manipulation of system files. The RPC daemon serves as a fundamental component for distributed computing operations within the OneFS environment, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise storage infrastructure security. The flaw stems from insufficient access controls and file system permission validation within the daemon's operation, creating an exploitable path for local users to gain elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the RPC daemon's handling of system file modifications, where local users can leverage existing access to modify critical system files that control privilege levels and access controls. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate the daemon's operational environment in ways that bypass normal security boundaries, effectively creating a backdoor for privilege escalation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking in system services. Attackers can exploit this by modifying configuration files or binary components that the RPC daemon relies upon during operation, thereby altering the daemon's behavior to execute with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only local system access, making it accessible through various initial compromise scenarios such as credential theft or local network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete system compromise potential, as the RPC daemon typically operates with elevated privileges and controls critical system functions. Once successfully exploited, attackers can gain root-level access to the storage system, potentially enabling them to access, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive data stored on the Isilon cluster. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where data protection and access control are paramount, making it particularly dangerous for organizations handling regulated data or critical business information. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential regulatory violations, especially in industries subject to compliance requirements such as healthcare, financial services, or government operations. The impact is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple version streams, indicating a systemic issue within the OneFS platform's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0528 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address the specific privilege escalation mechanism within the RPC daemon. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, specifically 7.0.2.13, 7.1.0.6, 7.1.1.2, and 7.2.0.1, to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access can reduce the attack surface, while regular security audits and monitoring for unauthorized file modifications provide additional defensive layers. System administrators should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regularly reviewing system file permissions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and highlights the need for robust access control mechanisms within system services, particularly those operating with elevated privileges. This issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploits, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and privilege management controls in enterprise environments.