CVE-2016-5045 in OnCommand System Manager
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp OnCommand System Manager before 9.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive credentials via vectors related to cluster peering setup.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5045 affects NetApp OnCommand System Manager versions prior to 9.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive authentication credentials during cluster peering configuration processes. This vulnerability resides within the management interface of NetApp storage systems and specifically targets the cluster peering setup functionality that establishes communication between multiple NetApp clusters. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters during the peer cluster configuration process, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to credential information that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the cluster peering setup component of the OnCommand System Manager. When administrators configure peer relationships between clusters, the system processes various parameters including authentication credentials, network addresses, and configuration settings. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input sequences that cause the system to inadvertently reveal stored credentials or authentication tokens. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the management plane level, where legitimate administrative functions occur, making it difficult to distinguish between normal operations and malicious activity. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5045 extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised authentication information can provide attackers with elevated privileges within the storage infrastructure. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can establish persistent access to the peer cluster relationships, potentially enabling them to manipulate storage configurations, access protected data, or even escalate their privileges to gain control over the entire storage network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the network or direct system interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where storage systems are often connected to broader network infrastructures. This weakness can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish footholds within storage networks, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruption. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that cluster peering is commonly implemented in disaster recovery scenarios, where attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to backup systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to NetApp OnCommand System Manager version 9.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and credential handling mechanisms. Additional mitigation strategies should involve implementing network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious peer cluster configuration activities, and regularly auditing cluster peer relationships for unauthorized modifications. Security teams should also consider implementing role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to reduce the impact of credential compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the T1078 and T1550 tactics. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on management interfaces and implement proper network monitoring to detect anomalous peer cluster setup activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated systems to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing cluster configurations while maintaining the integrity of the security controls.