CVE-2017-15516 in SnapCenter Server
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp SnapCenter Server versions 1.1 through 2.x are susceptible to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability which could be used to cause an unintended authenticated action in the user interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15516 affects NetApp SnapCenter Server versions 1.1 through 2.x and represents a critical Cross-Site Request Forgery flaw that undermines the security integrity of the web-based administrative interface. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper anti-CSRF protections within the server's user authentication mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate authenticated sessions and execute unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users. The flaw specifically impacts the server's web interface where administrative operations are performed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where SnapCenter Server handles sensitive data protection and backup operations.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability occurs when the SnapCenter Server fails to validate the origin of requests made through the web interface, allowing malicious actors to craft specially crafted web pages or links that, when clicked by an authenticated user, automatically submit requests to the server without the user's knowledge or consent. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications. The flaw essentially bypasses the authentication mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized modifications to system configurations, user accounts, or backup operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions such as modifying backup schedules, changing user permissions, or even initiating destructive operations within the SnapCenter environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can potentially lead to complete compromise of the backup infrastructure managed by SnapCenter Server. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability could manipulate backup policies, delete critical backup data, or alter system configurations that affect data protection workflows. This represents a significant threat to business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities, as the backup infrastructure is often the primary defense mechanism against data loss. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where SnapCenter Server is used to manage critical data protection operations for multiple databases and applications, potentially allowing attackers to cause widespread data integrity issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15516 should focus on implementing robust anti-CSRF protections within the SnapCenter Server web interface, including the deployment of anti-CSRF tokens for all state-changing operations and proper validation of request origins. Organizations should immediately upgrade to NetApp SnapCenter Server versions that address this vulnerability, as the company has released patches and updated versions that incorporate proper CSRF protection mechanisms. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper session management controls can also help reduce the attack surface. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1548.001 which covers abuse of cloud infrastructure, and represents a critical entry point for attackers seeking to establish persistence and escalate privileges within backup and recovery systems. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous patterns in backup system access and ensure that administrative interfaces are properly segmented and protected from direct internet exposure.