CVE-2017-8001 in ScaleIO
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in EMC ScaleIO 2.0.1.x. In a Linux environment, one of the support scripts saves the credentials of the ScaleIO MDM user who executed the script in clear text in temporary log files. The temporary files may potentially be read by an unprivileged user with access to the server where the script was executed to recover exposed credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8001 affects EMC ScaleIO 2.0.1.x deployments in Linux environments where security practices are inadequate. This issue stems from a critical flaw in the support script execution process that handles ScaleIO Management Module (MDM) user credentials. The vulnerability represents a significant security weakness that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of authentication data within enterprise storage environments.
The technical flaw manifests when support scripts execute within the Linux environment and inadvertently store MDM user credentials in temporary log files using clear text formatting. This practice violates fundamental security principles by exposing authentication tokens in an easily accessible format that persists on the filesystem. The temporary files created during script execution contain sensitive information in an unencrypted state, creating a persistent attack surface that remains accessible even after script completion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables privilege escalation attacks and unauthorized access to critical storage infrastructure. An unprivileged user with local access to the server can exploit this weakness to recover exposed credentials and potentially gain administrative control over the ScaleIO environment. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and represents a classic example of poor privilege management and insecure data handling practices.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe in enterprise environments where multiple users share physical or virtual server resources. Attackers can leverage this weakness to compromise storage management systems and potentially access sensitive data stored within the ScaleIO infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials" and demonstrates how insecure storage of authentication information can lead to unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting access to temporary directories where credential files are stored, implementing proper file permissions and ownership controls, and establishing monitoring for unauthorized access to sensitive files. The recommended approach involves configuring the support scripts to avoid storing credentials in temporary files or implementing secure credential handling mechanisms that prevent cleartext storage. Additionally, system administrators should regularly audit file access permissions and implement automated monitoring to detect potential credential exposure attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure coding standards when developing and deploying enterprise storage solutions.