CVE-2015-3282 in OpenAFS
Summary
by MITRE
vos in OpenAFS before 1.6.13, when updating VLDB entries, allows remote attackers to obtain stack data by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3282 affects the vos component within OpenAFS versions prior to 1.6.13, specifically during the process of updating VLDB entries. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to intercept and extract stack data through network sniffing activities. The issue stems from improper handling of network communications during database synchronization operations, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that could expose sensitive memory contents to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the vos utility's interaction with the Volume Location Database (VLDB) during update operations. When the system processes VLDB entry modifications, it fails to properly sanitize or validate network packets, allowing attackers to capture and analyze the raw network traffic. The stack data exposure occurs because the system does not adequately clear memory contents or properly structure response packets, resulting in sensitive information from the program's memory space being transmitted over the network. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can be exploited through passive network monitoring techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3282 extends beyond simple data exposure, as the leaked stack information could contain sensitive details such as memory addresses, internal program states, or potentially even authentication tokens and session data. Attackers with network access can utilize standard packet capture tools to monitor traffic and extract this information, which could then be used for further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where OpenAFS is deployed in networked configurations where traffic is not properly encrypted or secured, making it more accessible to attackers who can perform network sniffing operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include upgrading to OpenAFS version 1.6.13 or later, which contains patches specifically addressing the stack data exposure issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and encryption measures to prevent unauthorized packet capture activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and could be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors as described in ATT&CK framework under information gathering techniques. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns and ensuring proper access controls on network infrastructure to limit the attack surface available to potential adversaries.