CVE-2015-7746 in Data Ontap
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp Data ONTAP before 8.2.4, when operating in 7-Mode, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and (1) obtain sensitive information from or (2) modify volumes via vectors related to UTF-8 in the volume language.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7746 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within NetApp Data ONTAP systems operating in 7-Mode configuration. This issue stems from improper handling of UTF-8 encoding in volume language parameters, creating a pathway for remote attackers to circumvent the system's security controls. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 8.2.4 and specifically targets the authentication mechanisms that protect volume management operations within the 7-Mode architecture. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation where the system fails to properly sanitize UTF-8 encoded data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate authentication flows through crafted volume language specifications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of UTF-8 encoded strings within volume language parameters during authentication processes. Attackers can leverage this weakness to either obtain sensitive information from volumes or modify volume configurations without proper authorization. The root cause lies in the system's failure to properly validate and sanitize UTF-8 input, which creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads that bypass authentication checks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a specific instance of how character encoding issues can lead to security bypasses. The attack vector is entirely remote, meaning no physical access or local privileges are required, making it particularly dangerous for networked storage environments where systems may be exposed to external threats.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7746 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data integrity compromise and information disclosure across storage volumes. Organizations utilizing affected NetApp Data ONTAP versions in 7-Mode configuration face significant risks including unauthorized data modification, volume tampering, and potential exposure of sensitive storage information. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by allowing attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms that should protect critical storage resources. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where storage systems contain mission-critical data and where unauthorized modifications could lead to service disruptions, data loss, or compliance violations. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the authentication bypass to gain unauthorized access to storage resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7746 primarily focus on upgrading affected NetApp Data ONTAP systems to versions 8.2.4 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper UTF-8 input validation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to storage management interfaces and establish strict access controls for volume management operations. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also review and audit existing volume configurations to identify any unauthorized changes that might have occurred during the vulnerability window. The fix addresses the underlying input validation issue by properly sanitizing UTF-8 encoded data in volume language parameters, ensuring that authentication mechanisms function correctly regardless of character encoding used in volume specifications. Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain visibility into their storage infrastructure security posture.