CVE-2017-8019 in ScaleIO
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in EMC ScaleIO 2.0.1.x. A vulnerability in message parsers (MDM, SDS, and LIA) could potentially allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to send specifically crafted packets to stop ScaleIO services and cause a denial of service situation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8019 affects EMC ScaleIO 2.0.1.x deployments and represents a critical denial of service flaw within the message parsing components of the storage platform. This issue impacts three key modules including the Metadata Manager (MDM), Storage Data Manager (SDS), and Local Interface Agent (LIA) components that form the core communication infrastructure of the ScaleIO system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of incoming network messages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted packet injection attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the parsing logic of the message handlers within the ScaleIO architecture, where incoming network traffic is processed without adequate input sanitization or validation checks. When an unauthenticated remote attacker sends specifically crafted packets to the affected services, the malformed messages can trigger unexpected behavior in the message parsers, leading to service termination and system instability. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level and leverages the inherent trust model of the ScaleIO communication stack, where legitimate network traffic is not sufficiently validated before processing. The flaw aligns with CWE-129, which addresses issues related to insufficient input validation, and represents a classic example of how malformed input can lead to system instability and service disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8019 extends beyond simple service interruption as it can severely compromise the availability and reliability of storage infrastructure. When ScaleIO services are terminated due to this vulnerability, organizations face potential data unavailability, service degradation, and operational disruption that can cascade across dependent applications and systems. The attack vector requires only network access to the affected ScaleIO components, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from external networks without requiring authentication credentials. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique category, specifically targeting network denial of service through protocol manipulation. The consequences can be particularly severe in enterprise environments where ScaleIO is used for mission-critical storage operations, as the disruption can affect business continuity and data access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to ScaleIO management interfaces, deployment of network access control lists to filter suspicious traffic patterns, and application of vendor-provided patches or updates. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary network services, implementing proper firewall rules to limit exposure, and conducting thorough network monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on malformed packets targeting the vulnerable components. The mitigation strategy should also include regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify potential exposure points within the ScaleIO deployment. Implementation of these measures aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and helps organizations achieve the necessary security posture to protect against similar vulnerabilities in their storage infrastructure.