CVE-2017-8024 in Isilon OneFS
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Isilon OneFS (versions prior to 8.1.0.1, versions prior to 8.0.1.2, versions prior to 8.0.0.6, version 7.2.1.x) is impacted by a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that may potentially be exploited by malicious users to compromise the affected system.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8024 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw within EMC Isilon OneFS storage platform versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of the Isilon storage system, which is commonly used in enterprise environments for distributed file storage solutions. The affected versions include multiple release streams from 7.2.1.x through 8.1.0.1, indicating a broad impact across the product lifecycle. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface components that handle user-supplied data.
The technical exploitation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when malicious actors craft specially formatted requests containing malicious script code that gets reflected back to users through the web interface. When unsuspecting administrators or authorized users click on these crafted links or interact with the vulnerable interface elements, the malicious scripts execute within the context of the user's browser session. This allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects the web management interface components that process user input without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface where untrusted data flows directly into the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise the entire management interface of the storage system. Authorized users with administrative privileges are particularly at risk, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data manipulation. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Isilon systems are often managed through web interfaces, and administrators frequently interact with these systems remotely. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through various vectors including email phishing, compromised websites, or social engineering tactics that trick users into clicking malicious links.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution through web interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in enterprise storage management systems where administrative access can result in complete system compromise. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough security assessments of their Isilon environments. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should also be strengthened to limit potential exploitation impact, while user education programs can help prevent successful social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.