CVE-2017-15087 in Gluster Storage
Summary
by MITRE
It was discovered that the fix for CVE-2017-12163 was not properly shipped in erratum RHSA-2017:2858 for Red Hat Gluster Storage 3.3 for RHEL 6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15087 represents a critical security regression in Red Hat Gluster Storage 3.3 where the remediation for CVE-2017-12163 was inadequately implemented in the erratum RHSA-2017:2858. This issue specifically affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems running the Gluster Storage software, creating a persistent security gap that undermines the intended protection mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the incomplete application of security patches, leaving systems exposed to the original threat vector that CVE-2017-12163 was designed to address. This regression demonstrates the critical importance of thorough quality assurance processes in security patch deployment, particularly when dealing with enterprise storage solutions that handle sensitive data across distributed environments.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the patch validation process where the security measures intended to prevent unauthorized access or data manipulation were not correctly integrated into the target systems. This represents a CWE-284 access control vulnerability where the system fails to properly enforce authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in the storage infrastructure. The incomplete patching process creates a scenario where the system remains vulnerable to the same attack vectors that were previously mitigated, effectively nullifying the security improvements that should have been delivered through the erratum. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise storage environments where data integrity and access control are paramount for maintaining system security.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15087 extends beyond simple vulnerability exposure, as it represents a failure in the security maintenance process that affects organizations relying on Red Hat Gluster Storage for their data infrastructure. System administrators may believe their environments are secure when they have applied the erratum, only to discover that critical protections remain absent. This vulnerability creates a false sense of security that can lead to extended exposure periods and potential data breaches. The impact is particularly severe in environments where Gluster Storage handles sensitive information, as the regression allows attackers to potentially bypass security controls that were specifically designed to prevent unauthorized data access or manipulation. Organizations may experience compliance violations and increased risk of data loss or unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15087 require immediate verification of patch application status and implementation of additional compensating controls until proper remediation is achieved. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to confirm whether systems are properly patched and monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes verifying that the complete security fix for CVE-2017-12163 has been successfully applied, potentially requiring manual intervention or reapplication of the correct patch. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts and consider temporary access restrictions to minimize potential impact. This vulnerability highlights the necessity of maintaining detailed patch management procedures and verification processes that align with industry best practices for security maintenance. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation and persistence tactics where attackers could exploit the incomplete patch to maintain unauthorized access to storage resources.