CVE-2017-3744 in X Server
Summary
by MITRE
In the IMM2 firmware of Lenovo System x servers, remote commands issued by LXCA or other utilities may be captured in the First Failure Data Capture (FFDC) service log if the service log is generated when that remote command is running. Captured command data may contain clear text login information. Authorized users that can capture and export FFDC service log data may have access to these remote commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3744 resides within the IMM2 firmware of Lenovo System x servers, representing a significant security weakness in the server management infrastructure. This flaw specifically affects the First Failure Data Capture (FFDC) service logging mechanism, which is designed to collect diagnostic information during system failures or operational anomalies. The FFDC service operates as a critical component for server maintenance and troubleshooting, but its implementation contains a dangerous oversight that exposes sensitive authentication data to unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of remote command execution within the FFDC logging framework. When remote commands are executed through management utilities such as Lenovo XClarity Administrator (LXCA), the system generates service logs that capture not only operational data but also the complete command strings being processed. This includes clear text authentication credentials that are transmitted as part of the remote commands, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests when the FFDC service log is generated during the execution of these remote commands, effectively creating a data leak scenario where sensitive information becomes permanently stored in log files accessible to authorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of managed server environments. Attackers who gain access to FFDC service logs through legitimate administrative channels can extract complete command sequences containing usernames, passwords, and potentially other sensitive authentication tokens. This weakness directly violates security principles of least privilege and data protection, as it allows unauthorized access to authentication credentials that should remain confidential. The vulnerability affects server management workflows that rely on remote command execution, particularly in enterprise environments where centralized management tools are extensively used.
Organizations utilizing Lenovo System x servers with IMM2 firmware face elevated risk of credential compromise and potential unauthorized system access when this vulnerability remains unaddressed. The exposure of clear text authentication information in log files creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, lateral movement within networks, and persistent access to critical server infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-540, which addresses the inclusion of sensitive information in log files, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for log management and data handling. The attack surface is further expanded through potential exploitation via the ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques, specifically targeting credential dumping and privilege escalation methods that leverage exposed authentication data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3744 require immediate attention through firmware updates from Lenovo, which address the improper handling of command data within the FFDC service logging mechanism. Organizations should implement strict access controls for FFDC log files, ensuring that only authorized personnel with legitimate administrative needs can access these sensitive data repositories. Network segmentation and monitoring of log access activities can help detect unauthorized attempts to retrieve FFDC data containing authentication information. Additionally, implementing alternative authentication mechanisms that do not rely on clear text credentials in command strings, combined with regular log file audits and security assessments, will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated firmware versions to ensure that the vulnerability is fully resolved while maintaining system functionality and operational integrity.