CVE-2015-1970 in WebSphere DataPower XC10 appliance
Summary
by MITRE
The IBM WebSphere DataPower XC10 appliance 2.1 through 2.1.0.3 and 2.5 through 2.5.0.4 retains data on SSD cards, which might allow physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive information by extracting a card and attaching it elsewhere.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1970 affects IBM WebSphere DataPower XC10 appliances running specific firmware versions, creating a significant data exposure risk through improper handling of solid state drive components. This issue represents a critical weakness in the appliance's physical security design, where sensitive data remains accessible even after the device has been removed from its original location. The vulnerability stems from the appliance's failure to properly sanitize or encrypt data stored on the SSD cards, leaving cryptographic keys, configuration files, and potentially sensitive operational data vulnerable to extraction. Attackers exploiting this weakness can physically remove the SSD card from the appliance and attach it to another system, thereby gaining access to information that should remain protected within the secured environment.
The technical flaw manifests in the appliance's storage management implementation where data retention policies do not adequately address the secure removal or destruction of information stored on removable storage components. This design oversight creates a persistent risk where data remains accessible even when the device is moved or decommissioned, violating fundamental principles of information security and data protection. The vulnerability operates under the premise that physical proximity to the device enables an attacker to perform a simple hardware extraction attack without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools. This weakness directly relates to CWE-316, which addresses sensitive information in memory, and CWE-312, concerning sensitive information exposure through improper data sanitization. The lack of proper encryption or secure erase functionality on the SSD components means that any data stored on these drives maintains its readable state even when removed from the original appliance context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire security posture of organizations relying on these appliances for network security functions. When attackers can extract and analyze data from removed SSD cards, they may gain insights into network configurations, security policies, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where the appliances are deployed in physically accessible locations, making them susceptible to opportunistic attacks by individuals with proximity to the devices. Organizations using these appliances face significant risk of unauthorized access to critical infrastructure information, potentially leading to network compromise, data breaches, and regulatory compliance violations. This issue also impacts the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, as the appliance fails to provide adequate protection for data even when moved outside its intended operational environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for managing IBM WebSphere DataPower XC10 appliances. The most effective approach involves implementing proper data sanitization procedures before removing or relocating appliances, including secure erasure of SSD components or physical destruction of storage media. Organizations should also consider deploying additional physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to appliance locations, implementing monitoring systems to detect unauthorized removal attempts. The remediation process should include firmware updates from IBM that address the data retention issue through improved encryption or secure erase functionality, though such updates may not be available for all affected versions. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive inventory management to track appliance locations and implement strict protocols for handling removable storage components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1025, which covers data from removable media, and represents a clear failure in the security controls designed to protect information at rest. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of any data exposure that might occur through this vulnerability.