CVE-2018-14662 in Ceph
Summary
by MITRE
It was found Ceph versions before 13.2.4 that authenticated ceph users with read only permissions could steal dm-crypt encryption keys used in ceph disk encryption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14662 represents a critical security flaw in Ceph storage systems affecting versions prior to 13.2.4. This issue specifically targets the encryption mechanisms employed within Ceph's disk encryption framework, where authenticated users with read-only permissions can exploit a weakness in the system's key management processes. The flaw resides in how the system handles dm-crypt encryption keys, which are essential components for securing data at rest within Ceph clusters. The vulnerability demonstrates a significant privilege escalation risk where users who should only have read access can potentially extract sensitive encryption keys used for disk encryption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access controls and key exposure mechanisms within Ceph's encryption subsystem. When Ceph users authenticate with read-only permissions, they should be restricted from accessing encryption keys or related cryptographic materials. However, the flaw allows these users to bypass normal access restrictions and gain access to dm-crypt encryption keys that are typically protected from unauthorized access. This occurs through a combination of insufficient input validation and improper privilege separation in the encryption key handling processes. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which deals with inadequate access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient privilege separation in cryptographic systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of Ceph disk encryption. An attacker with read-only access can potentially decrypt all data stored on encrypted disks within the Ceph cluster, rendering the entire encryption scheme ineffective. This creates a scenario where unauthorized data access becomes possible without requiring additional authentication credentials or elevated privileges. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on Ceph for sensitive data storage, as it undermines the core security guarantee of data encryption. The attack vector demonstrates how a seemingly minor access control flaw can result in complete data compromise, especially when dealing with enterprise storage systems where data protection is paramount.
Organizations utilizing Ceph storage systems must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Ceph version 13.2.4 or later, which includes patches specifically designed to address the key exposure issue. Additionally, system administrators should review and tighten access controls for encryption-related operations, implementing stricter monitoring of key access patterns and user activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.004, which covers credentials from password stores, as it involves unauthorized access to encryption keys that serve similar protective functions. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be used as a stepping stone for further attacks within the storage infrastructure. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper privilege management and access control implementation in distributed storage systems where encryption is a fundamental security component.