CVE-2018-1112 in glusterfs Server
Summary
by MITRE
glusterfs server before versions 3.10.12, 4.0.2 is vulnerable when using 'auth.allow' option which allows any unauthenticated gluster client to connect from any network to mount gluster storage volumes. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of a CVE-2018-1088 regression.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-1112 represents a critical security flaw in the GlusterFS distributed file system that affects versions prior to 3.10.12 and 4.0.2. This issue emerged as a regression from CVE-2018-1088, demonstrating how security fixes can sometimes introduce new vulnerabilities through unintended side effects. The flaw specifically impacts the authentication mechanisms within GlusterFS servers, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on distributed storage solutions. The vulnerability occurs when administrators configure the 'auth.allow' option, which is designed to control access to storage volumes but fails to properly enforce authentication requirements.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the GlusterFS server component. When the 'auth.allow' option is configured, it should restrict client connections to only authorized hosts and users, but due to the regression, the system allows any unauthenticated client to establish connections from any network location. This creates an unauthorized access vector that bypasses the intended security controls. The flaw operates at the network protocol level where GlusterFS handles client authentication requests, essentially disabling the authentication enforcement that should occur during the connection establishment phase. This regression demonstrates a failure in the validation of access control parameters, allowing for privilege escalation through unauthorized network access to storage volumes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using affected GlusterFS versions. An attacker with network access to the GlusterFS server can mount storage volumes without proper authentication, potentially leading to data exposure, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of storage resources, as unauthorized users can access sensitive data stored across distributed volumes. Organizations may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions when attackers exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to their distributed storage infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential system compromise through lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a classic example of how authentication bypass flaws can severely compromise system security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1112 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GlusterFS installations to versions 3.10.12 or 4.0.2 where the regression has been addressed. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to GlusterFS ports and services, limiting connections to trusted networks only. Administrators must review and properly configure the 'auth.allow' option with specific IP addresses or ranges rather than leaving it open to all networks. Additional security measures include implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unauthorized GlusterFS connections, and conducting regular security assessments of distributed storage configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough regression testing when implementing security fixes and demonstrates the critical need for proper access control validation in distributed systems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious GlusterFS access patterns and maintain updated security baselines that align with industry standards such as those defined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for storage system attacks.