CVE-2017-1000080 in ONOS
Summary
by MITRE
Linux foundation ONOS 1.9.0 allows unauthenticated use of websockets
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000080 affects the Linux Foundation ONOS 1.9.0 software, which is a software-defined networking (SDN) platform designed for building carrier-grade network applications. This platform provides a robust framework for network automation and orchestration, serving as a critical component in modern telecommunications infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically resides in the websockets implementation within the ONOS platform, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of authentication mechanisms for websocket connections within the ONOS 1.9.0 system. Websockets are bidirectional communication channels that allow real-time data exchange between clients and servers, commonly used for monitoring network status, configuration updates, and operational control. In this case, the absence of proper authentication means that any external party can establish websocket connections to the ONOS platform without providing valid credentials, effectively bypassing the security controls that should protect access to the network control plane. This represents a fundamental failure in the authentication and authorization architecture of the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who can establish unauthenticated websocket connections gains the ability to interact with the ONOS platform's network control functions, potentially allowing them to view network topology information, modify network configurations, inject malicious traffic, or even disrupt network operations entirely. This access could be leveraged to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, escalate privileges within the network, or cause service disruptions that affect critical network infrastructure. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a direct pathway into the network control plane without the need for additional exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where network reliability and security are paramount.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution if exploited through additional attack vectors. The lack of authentication for websocket connections represents a clear violation of security best practices and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper access controls for all network services. Organizations using ONOS 1.9.0 should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict websocket access, and upgrading to patched versions of the software. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized websocket connections, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized entities can establish communication with the network control plane.
The remediation approach should involve applying the official patches released by the Linux Foundation for ONOS 1.9.0, which would implement proper authentication mechanisms for websocket connections. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network access control lists, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing all network interfaces and communication channels, particularly those that provide access to control plane functions within network infrastructure.