CVE-2015-5443 in 3PAR Service Processor SP
Summary
by MITRE
HP 3PAR Service Processor SP 4.2.0.GA-29 (GA) SPOCC, SP 4.3.0.GA-17 (GA) SPOCC, and SP 4.3.0-GA-24 (MU1) SPOCC allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5443 affects HP 3PAR Service Processor components including versions SP 4.2.0.GA-29, SP 4.3.0.GA-17, and SP 4.3.0-GA-24 with MU1 updates. This issue resides within the SPOCC (Service Processor On-Chip Controller) functionality that manages critical system operations for HP 3PAR storage arrays. The vulnerability specifically permits remote authenticated users to extract sensitive information through unspecified vectors, representing a significant security concern for enterprise storage environments where such systems handle critical data assets. The affected service processors operate as embedded management controllers that provide out-of-band management capabilities and system monitoring functions, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to system internals.
This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can be classified as CWE-200 (Information Exposure) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may involve improper access controls or insecure data handling within the service processor's communication protocols. Attackers who can authenticate to the system can exploit this weakness to extract sensitive system information including but not limited to configuration details, system logs, user credentials, or operational parameters that could facilitate further attacks. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, significantly expanding the potential attack surface and making the exploitation more accessible.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5443 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked sensitive data could enable attackers to perform more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or targeted exploitation of other system components. The service processor's role in managing storage array operations means that information disclosure could potentially reveal storage topology, volume configurations, or access control settings that would aid in planning more complex attacks. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Discovery tactic, where adversaries gather information about the system and network to support their objectives.
Organizations utilizing affected HP 3PAR systems should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from HP to address the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit authentication access to service processors, implementing principle of least privilege for system administrators. Regular monitoring of service processor communications for unusual activity patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches for embedded systems, as these components often serve as persistent attack vectors that remain accessible throughout system operation. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their storage infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their storage ecosystem that might provide similar attack surfaces for information disclosure.