CVE-2016-4381 in XP7 Command View
Summary
by MITRE
HPE XP7 Command View Advanced Edition (CVAE) Suite 6.x through 8.x before 8.4.1-02, when Replication Manager (RepMgr) and Device Manager (DevMgr) are enabled, allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4381 affects HPE XP7 Command View Advanced Edition (CVAE) Suite versions 6.x through 8.x prior to 8.4.1-02, specifically when both Replication Manager and Device Manager components are enabled. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise storage management systems. The vulnerability resides within the access control mechanisms of the CVAE suite, which is designed to manage and monitor HPE XP7 storage arrays in enterprise environments. When both RepMgr and DevMgr are active, the system fails to properly validate user permissions, creating opportunities for local attackers to escalate privileges and access restricted functionality without proper authentication.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that allow local users to circumvent intended access controls within the CVAE suite. This authorization bypass occurs at the application level where the system's permission checking mechanisms are insufficiently implemented or improperly configured. The vulnerability specifically impacts the interaction between the Replication Manager and Device Manager components, suggesting that the flaw may be related to how these modules communicate with each other or how they handle user sessions and credentials. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, potentially including improper session management, weak privilege validation, or insecure direct object references within the application's architecture. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on HPE XP7 storage arrays managed through CVAE Suite. Local users who can exploit this vulnerability gain unauthorized access to sensitive storage management functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. This could enable attackers to modify replication settings, access device configurations, alter storage policies, or potentially disrupt storage operations. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the affected environment includes replication management capabilities that could be leveraged to manipulate data protection mechanisms, potentially leading to data loss or corruption. Organizations using this software in production environments face risks of unauthorized data manipulation, service disruption, and potential compliance violations. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise storage environments where multiple administrators and users interact with the system, creating additional attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4381 should prioritize immediate application of the vendor-provided patch version 8.4.1-02 which addresses the access control bypass issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit local access to CVAE systems and enforce strict access controls on administrative accounts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts or privilege escalation activities within the storage management environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch deployment across the enterprise. Additionally, organizations should review their access control policies and implement principle of least privilege for all users interacting with the CVAE suite, particularly those with access to RepMgr and DevMgr components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in enterprise storage management systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system components.