CVE-2017-1000081 in ONOS
Summary
by MITRE
Linux foundation ONOS 1.9.0 is vulnerable to unauthenticated upload of applications (.oar) resulting in remote code execution
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000081 affects the Linux Foundation ONOS 1.9.0 software, which represents a significant security flaw in the network operating system designed for software-defined networking environments. This vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the application upload functionality, creating a critical pathway for unauthorized remote code execution. The affected system operates as a controller platform for open optical networking, enabling network operators to manage and control their optical transport networks through a centralized software interface.
The technical flaw manifests through the application upload feature that fails to properly validate incoming .oar files, which are the standard packaging format for ONOS applications. This weakness allows any remote attacker to bypass authentication requirements and upload malicious applications to the target system. The vulnerability specifically resides in the HTTP endpoint responsible for handling application deployments, where the system accepts uploaded files without requiring proper authorization tokens or user authentication. This design flaw aligns with CWE-346, which addresses "Improper Verification of Source of a Communication Channel", and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because .oar files can contain executable code that will be deployed and executed within the ONOS runtime environment, potentially granting attackers full control over the network controller.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables complete remote code execution capabilities within the target environment. An attacker could upload malicious applications that manipulate network traffic, create backdoors, or perform denial-of-service attacks against the controlled network infrastructure. The implications are severe for network operators who rely on ONOS for critical network operations, as this vulnerability could compromise the entire optical transport network under management. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects the web-based management interface, making it accessible over standard network connections without requiring physical access or prior credentials. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browser-based exploitation or automated scanning tools that target known vulnerable versions of the software. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically "Command and Scripting Interpreter" where adversaries execute malicious code through uploaded applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1000081 require immediate implementation of multiple security controls to protect affected systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the ONOS controller from untrusted networks and apply strict firewall rules to restrict access to the management interface. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a version that properly implements authentication checks for application uploads. Additionally, implementing strong access controls including multi-factor authentication, IP address restrictions, and regular security audits of uploaded applications can significantly reduce the risk. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual upload patterns or suspicious application deployments, while also establishing automated scanning of uploaded files for known malicious signatures. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and disabling unnecessary services to minimize the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in network management systems, as highlighted by CWE-287 which addresses "Improper Authentication" and reinforces the need for defense-in-depth approaches to protect critical network infrastructure components.