CVE-2016-4383 in Helion OpenStack Glance
Summary
by MITRE
The glance-manage db in all versions of HPE Helion Openstack Glance allows deleted image ids to be reassigned, which allows remote authenticated users to cause other users to boot into a modified image without notification of the change.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4383 resides within the HPE Helion OpenStack Glance service, specifically within the glance-manage database component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity and trustworthiness of the image management system. The vulnerability affects all versions of the HPE Helion OpenStack platform, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on this infrastructure. The core issue stems from improper handling of deleted image identifiers within the database management system, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when the system fails to properly purge or invalidate deleted image identifiers from its database management system. This allows authenticated attackers with sufficient privileges to manipulate the database in such a way that previously deleted image IDs can be reassigned to new image objects. The underlying mechanism operates through the glance-manage command-line tool which handles database operations for the Glance service. When an image is deleted, the system should ensure that the associated identifier is completely removed from all accessible namespaces and caches. However, in this vulnerability, the cleanup process is incomplete or flawed, leaving the identifier in a state where it can be reused.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly within cloud computing environments where image integrity is paramount for security and compliance. Remote authenticated users can exploit this weakness to substitute legitimate images with malicious or modified versions, effectively enabling a form of image substitution attack. When other users attempt to boot instances using what they believe to be legitimate images, they unknowingly execute modified code or access compromised environments. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates silently without alerting users to the modification, creating a false sense of security while simultaneously compromising the integrity of the entire cloud infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with multiple CWE classifications including CWE-200 Information Exposure and CWE-284 Improper Access Control, reflecting both the information disclosure aspect and the access control weakness that enables the attack. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as attackers leverage legitimate authenticated access to manipulate the system. The attack chain typically involves gaining initial access through legitimate credentials, identifying the database management flaw, and then reassigning deleted identifiers to malicious images. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching of affected systems, enhanced monitoring of database operations, and implementation of strict access controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper database cleanup procedures and the need for regular security audits of database management systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing image integrity verification mechanisms and automated monitoring for suspicious database activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of CVE-2016-4383 extend beyond immediate exploitation, as it demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in cloud infrastructure. This vulnerability represents a failure in the database lifecycle management process and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of database management tools. Organizations should also consider implementing additional layers of security including database activity monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, and proper incident response procedures to address similar weaknesses in their infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor database management flaws can have significant security implications in complex cloud environments where multiple users and systems interact with shared resources.