CVE-2017-8974 in NonStop Server
Summary
by MITRE
A Local Authentication Restriction Bypass vulnerability in HPE NonStop Server version L-Series: T6533L01 through T6533L01^ADN; J-Series and H-series: T6533H02 through T6533H04^ADF and T6533H05 through T6533H05^ADL was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8974 represents a critical local authentication restriction bypass issue affecting HPE NonStop Server operating systems. This flaw exists within the authentication mechanisms of both L-Series and J/H-Series server platforms, specifically impacting versions ranging from T6533L01 through T6533L01^ADN for L-Series and T6533H02 through T6533H04^ADF as well as T6533H05 through T6533H05^ADL for J/H-Series. The affected systems operate under the NonStop Server environment which is designed for high availability and mission-critical applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on continuous operation and robust security controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of authentication credentials within the local authentication subsystem. Attackers with local access to affected systems can exploit this weakness to bypass normal authentication restrictions and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw likely resides in the authentication module's handling of local user credentials or session management processes, potentially allowing privilege escalation or unauthorized system modifications. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's local nature means that an attacker must already have some level of access to the system, but once exploited, could potentially elevate privileges or access restricted functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it compromises the fundamental security posture of critical infrastructure systems. Organizations running affected NonStop Server versions face potential risks including unauthorized data access, system modification, and disruption of business-critical operations. The NonStop Server environment is typically deployed in financial services, telecommunications, and other sectors requiring continuous operation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could lead to service interruptions or data breaches. The affected systems often handle sensitive transactions and operational data, and the bypass of authentication controls could result in significant financial and reputational damage. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple hardware series and firmware versions, indicating a widespread exposure across various deployment scenarios within affected organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8974 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through official HPE security updates and firmware releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and conduct thorough security assessments of their NonStop Server environments. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit local system access to authorized personnel only. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in authentication mechanisms. The remediation process must consider the high availability requirements of NonStop Server environments, potentially requiring careful planning for patch deployment to avoid service interruptions. Security teams should also implement additional logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit trails for forensic analysis. Organizations should consult HPE security advisories and consider engaging with HPE support for proper implementation of security updates while maintaining operational continuity.