CVE-2017-5803 in NonStop Server
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Disclosure of Information vulnerability in HPE NonStop Servers using SSH Service version L series: T0801L02 through T0801L02^ABX; J and H series: T0801H01 through T0801H01^ACA was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5803 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting HPE NonStop servers running specific SSH service versions. This vulnerability specifically impacts systems utilizing the L series with versions T0801L02 through T0801L02^ABX and J and H series with versions T0801H01 through T0801H01^ACA. The issue stems from improper handling of authentication mechanisms within the SSH service implementation, creating a pathway for unauthorized information exposure. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" weaknesses in software systems. This classification indicates that the flaw allows attackers to gain access to sensitive data that should remain protected, potentially exposing system internals or configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the SSH service authentication process where insufficient validation or improper error handling leads to information leakage. When remote attackers interact with the affected SSH service, they can potentially extract system information, configuration parameters, or other sensitive data that should remain confidential. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gather intelligence about the target system, potentially identifying system versions, installed components, or other details that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. This information disclosure creates an elevated risk profile for the affected systems, as it reduces the attack surface by providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5803 extends beyond simple information exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected HPE NonStop server environments. Organizations running these vulnerable systems face increased risk of targeted attacks, as the leaked information could enable more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects mission-critical systems where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount, potentially exposing sensitive business information or system configurations that could be used to plan more extensive attacks. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, "System Information Discovery," where adversaries gather information about the target system to inform their attack strategy. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can operate from outside the network perimeter, making detection and mitigation more challenging for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5803 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for HPE NonStop server environments. The primary recommended action involves updating the affected SSH service versions to patched releases provided by HPE, specifically targeting the versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SSH access patterns or attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough audits of their SSH configurations to identify any additional security weaknesses that could compound the risk. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust security monitoring practices to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems.