CVE-2017-4985 in VNX1
Summary
by MITRE
In EMC VNX2 versions prior to OE for File 8.1.9.211 and VNX1 versions prior to OE for File 7.1.80.8, a local authenticated user may potentially escalate their privileges to root due to authorization checks not being performed on certain perl scripts. This may potentially be exploited by an attacker to run arbitrary commands as root on the targeted VNX Control Station system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-4985 affects EMC VNX2 and VNX1 storage systems running specific firmware versions, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise storage infrastructure. This issue stems from inadequate authorization validation mechanisms within the file operating system of these storage devices, specifically targeting the control station components that manage system operations and access controls. The vulnerability exists in the form of missing authorization checks on perl scripts that are designed to execute with elevated privileges, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and gain root-level system access.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper validation of user permissions during script execution processes, where certain perl scripts that should only be executable by authorized administrators can be invoked by local authenticated users without proper verification of their privileges. This design oversight allows an attacker who has already established a local account on the system to exploit the missing authorization checks and potentially execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The vulnerability specifically impacts the control station system components where administrative functions are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it provides direct access to core system operations and data management functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over the affected storage systems. Once escalated to root privileges, an attacker can manipulate storage configurations, access sensitive data, modify system settings, and potentially disrupt storage services that may be critical to business operations. The vulnerability affects both VNX2 and VNX1 platforms, with specific version thresholds indicating that systems running older firmware releases are at risk, while newer versions have implemented proper authorization controls to prevent exploitation. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with legacy storage infrastructure that may not have been updated to the latest firmware releases.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and firmware updates that address the authorization check deficiencies in the affected perl scripts. System administrators should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected VNX systems and ensure proper access controls are maintained through regular privilege reviews. Network segmentation and least-privilege access principles should be enforced to limit local access to control station systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the privilege escalation category where attackers can move laterally within compromised systems to achieve higher levels of access and control.