CVE-2015-9256 in ALTO
Summary
by MITRE
Datto ALTO and SIRIS devices allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via access to device/VM restore mount points, because they do not have ACLs by default.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9256 affects Datto ALTO and SIRIS backup and recovery devices, representing a critical security flaw in the access control mechanisms of these systems. These devices are designed to provide data protection and disaster recovery solutions for enterprise environments, but the absence of default access control lists on device and virtual machine restore mount points creates a significant exposure. The flaw stems from the device configuration where restore mount points are accessible without proper authentication or authorization controls, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data that should be protected.
This vulnerability operates at the fundamental level of access control implementation, where the system fails to enforce proper authorization checks on critical restore operations. The technical flaw manifests as a lack of default access control lists that would normally restrict access to restore mount points to authorized personnel only. Attackers can exploit this by directly accessing the mount points through network interfaces or physical access points, bypassing any intended security boundaries. The absence of default ACLs means that any user with network access to the device can potentially mount and access restore points, which may contain sensitive backup data, system configurations, or personal information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, compliance violations, and system compromise. Organizations using these devices face the risk of exposure to sensitive information stored in backup systems, including customer data, intellectual property, and system credentials. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not require physical access to the device, which significantly increases the attack surface. This flaw directly violates security principles outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework under weakness category CWE-284, which addresses improper access control and inadequate authorization mechanisms.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics and techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain access to backup data that may contain system passwords, encryption keys, or other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where default system configurations provide more access than necessary for normal operations. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues under standards such as gdpr, hipaa, and soc 2, which require proper data protection controls and access management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9256 should include immediate implementation of access control lists on all restore mount points, proper network segmentation to isolate backup systems, and regular security audits of device configurations. System administrators should disable unnecessary services, implement strong authentication mechanisms, and ensure that restore points are properly protected with appropriate access controls. Organizations should also consider network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to backup systems and implement regular security training for personnel who manage these devices. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of default security configurations and the need for robust access control implementation in backup and recovery systems, particularly in environments where sensitive data is stored and managed.