CVE-2016-7062 in Storage Console
Summary
by MITRE
rhscon-ceph in Red Hat Storage Console 2 x86_64 and Red Hat Storage Console Node 2 x86_64 allows local users to obtain the password as cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7062 affects Red Hat Storage Console 2 and Red Hat Storage Console Node 2 implementations running on x86_64 architectures. This security flaw resides within the rhscon-ceph component which manages storage console operations. The issue manifests as a local privilege escalation vulnerability that exposes password credentials in cleartext format, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing these storage management tools. The vulnerability specifically impacts environments where local users have access to the system but lack administrative privileges, making it particularly concerning for multi-tenant or shared computing environments.
The technical implementation flaw involves improper handling of authentication credentials within the rhscon-ceph module. When local users execute certain operations through the console interface, the system fails to properly encrypt or obscure password values during processing or logging activities. This cleartext exposure occurs at multiple levels within the console's credential management system, including command execution interfaces, configuration file handling, and system logging mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially creates a pathway where any local user can retrieve stored authentication credentials without requiring elevated privileges or specialized tools, fundamentally undermining the security model of the storage management infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables unauthorized users to gain persistent access to storage systems that they would otherwise not be able to access. Attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, move laterally within storage networks, or conduct data exfiltration operations. The cleartext exposure creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable system operates, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access even after initial compromise. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of credential protection and access control enforcement, particularly concerning the principle of least privilege and secure credential handling practices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching the affected Red Hat Storage Console components to address the cleartext credential exposure issue. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of local user access rights and implement additional monitoring for suspicious credential-related activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-259 (Use of Hard-coded Password) categories, representing a clear violation of secure coding practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) techniques, as it enables adversaries to obtain legitimate credentials through local system access. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and credential obfuscation mechanisms within the console application would prevent similar issues from occurring in future deployments, ensuring that authentication data remains protected throughout the system lifecycle.