CVE-2018-1465 in SAN Volume Controller
Summary
by MITRE
IBM SAN Volume Controller, IBM Storwize, IBM Spectrum Virtualize and IBM FlashSystem products ( 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.6.1, 7.7, 7.7.1, 7.8, 7.8.1, 8.1, and 8.1.1) could allow an authenticated user to obtain the private key which could make intercepting GUI communications possible. IBM X-Force ID: 140396.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
This vulnerability affects IBM storage systems including SAN Volume Controller Storwize Spectrum Virtualize and FlashSystem products across multiple versions from 6.1 through 8.1.1. The flaw resides in the improper handling of private keys within the graphical user interface components of these storage platforms. An authenticated user with legitimate access credentials can exploit this weakness to extract the private cryptographic key used for securing communications between the GUI and backend systems. This represents a significant security risk as it directly compromises the confidentiality and integrity of management communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate key management practices within the web-based administration interfaces of these storage systems. When users access the GUI for system management tasks, the private key material is not properly secured or isolated from unauthorized access paths. The vulnerability falls under CWE-310 Cryptographic Issues, specifically addressing weak cryptographic key management practices that expose sensitive cryptographic material to authenticated users who should not have access to such critical components. This misconfiguration allows for privilege escalation from normal administrative access to a position where the attacker can intercept and potentially decrypt all communications between the GUI and the storage system backend.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft as it enables man-in-the-middle attacks against the storage management interface. Once an attacker obtains the private key, they can decrypt all subsequent communications between the GUI and the storage system, potentially gaining access to sensitive operational data including configuration details, performance metrics, and management commands. This compromise affects the fundamental security posture of the storage infrastructure, as it undermines the trust model that should exist between authorized administrators and the management interface. The vulnerability creates an attack surface that could be leveraged for further exploitation including potential lateral movement within the storage network and access to underlying storage resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant IBM security patches and updates that address the key exposure issue. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to the GUI components. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, limiting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts. Regular security audits should verify that cryptographic keys are properly managed and that no unauthorized access to private key material has occurred. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 Credential Access: Credentials In Files, as it involves unauthorized access to cryptographic material stored within system components. Additionally it maps to T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as compromised communications could be used to exfiltrate information through DNS tunneling or other protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network traffic analysis to detect potential decryption activities and ensure that all management interfaces are properly secured with up-to-date encryption protocols and certificate management practices.