CVE-2018-1775 in SAN Volume Controller
Summary
by MITRE
IBM SAN Volume Controller, IBM Storwize, IBM Spectrum Virtualize and IBM FlashSystem products versions 7.5 through 8.2 could allow an authenticated user to download arbitrary files from the operating system. IBM X-Force ID: 148757.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2023
This vulnerability affects IBM storage virtualization products including SAN Volume Controller Storwize Spectrum Virtualize and FlashSystem versions 7.5 through 8.2. The flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that allows authenticated users to potentially access arbitrary files on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the file download functionality of these storage management interfaces. Attackers with valid credentials can exploit this weakness to retrieve sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive operational information that could aid in further attacks against the storage infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper sanitization of file path parameters within the web-based management interfaces of these storage systems. When authenticated users attempt to download files through the management console, the system fails to adequately validate or sanitize the input parameters that specify which files should be retrieved. This allows malicious users to manipulate the file path parameters to traverse the file system and access files outside of the intended download scope. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-73 Hardcoded File Name, both of which relate to path traversal and file access control issues. The flaw enables attackers to potentially access system configuration files, log files, and other sensitive data that should remain restricted to authorized administrative access only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on these storage systems for critical data infrastructure. An authenticated attacker with access to the storage management interfaces could potentially extract system configuration details, administrative credentials stored in configuration files, or other sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the storage network. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into the storage infrastructure's internal structure, potentially aiding in more sophisticated attacks against the storage environment. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where storage administrators have broad access privileges or where the management interfaces are accessible over networks with varying security postures. This weakness could also facilitate reconnaissance activities that help attackers identify additional vulnerabilities within the storage infrastructure or related systems.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates for the affected IBM storage products to remediate this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual file download activities within the storage management interfaces. Network segmentation and limiting administrative access to only necessary personnel can help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also implement continuous monitoring of the storage management interfaces for any unauthorized file access attempts and establish procedures for regular security assessments of storage infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1005 Data from Local System, as it involves legitimate account exploitation to access system data and potentially escalate privileges through information gathering activities. Organizations should also consider implementing additional logging and alerting mechanisms specifically for file access operations within storage management interfaces to detect potential exploitation attempts.