CVE-2017-1375 in Storwize V7000
Summary
by MITRE
IBM System Storage Storwize V7000 Unified (V7000U) 1.5 and 1.6 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. IBM X-Force ID: 126868.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1375 affects IBM System Storage Storwize V7000 Unified versions 1.5 and 1.6, representing a significant cryptographic weakness that compromises data confidentiality. This storage system implementation utilizes cryptographic algorithms that fall below expected security standards, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized parties to decrypt sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically targets the encryption mechanisms employed within the storage system's data protection framework, potentially exposing critical enterprise data to unauthorized access. Organizations relying on this storage infrastructure face substantial risk as the weakened cryptographic implementation undermines the fundamental security assurances typically expected from enterprise storage solutions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a failure in cryptographic implementation that could enable attackers to gain access to confidential information stored within the unified storage environment.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of insufficiently strong cryptographic algorithms that do not meet contemporary security requirements for enterprise storage systems. This weakness typically involves the implementation of deprecated or inadequately robust encryption protocols that can be successfully attacked through various cryptographic techniques including brute force attempts, pattern analysis, or specialized attack vectors targeting the specific algorithm implementations. The vulnerability stems from the storage system's failure to employ industry-standard cryptographic practices, potentially utilizing weak key lengths, outdated encryption modes, or flawed implementation approaches that make the encrypted data susceptible to decryption without proper authorization. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper cryptographic implementation, as the system should have employed strong encryption standards to protect sensitive data at rest.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-1375 extends across multiple organizational domains, particularly affecting data integrity and confidentiality within enterprise storage environments. Organizations utilizing affected V7000U versions may experience unauthorized data access, potential regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial exposure due to data breaches. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk that could remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to systematically decrypt sensitive information over time. Security teams face increased operational complexity in monitoring and protecting systems against this specific cryptographic weakness, while business continuity may be threatened by potential data loss or exposure incidents. The vulnerability also impacts trust in the storage infrastructure, potentially requiring organizations to implement additional security controls or migrate to alternative storage solutions to maintain adequate data protection standards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-1375 should prioritize immediate system updates and patches provided by IBM to address the cryptographic weakness. Organizations must implement comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect any unauthorized access attempts or anomalies that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough assessment of all affected storage systems, implementation of additional security controls, and verification of cryptographic implementations across the enterprise infrastructure. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced access controls, and continuous monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their data classification policies and implement alternative encryption methods for highly sensitive data while ensuring proper key management practices are maintained. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of cryptographic weaknesses that could compromise enterprise data security.