CVE-2018-5492 in E-Series SANtricity OS Controller Software
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp E-Series SANtricity OS Controller Software 11.30 and later version 11.30.5 is susceptible to unauthenticated remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5492 affects NetApp E-Series SANtricity OS Controller Software versions 11.30 through 11.30.5, presenting a critical security risk that allows unauthenticated remote code execution. This flaw represents a severe compromise of system integrity and availability, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically resides within the web-based management interface of the SANtricity operating system, which is commonly used in enterprise storage environments to manage and monitor storage arrays.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the web application layer of the SANtricity OS. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the affected management interface, bypassing authentication mechanisms entirely. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic example of how weak access controls can lead to complete system compromise. The flaw allows remote attackers to gain administrative privileges and execute commands with the highest level of system permissions, effectively providing full control over the storage array.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5492 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can result in complete data compromise, system disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Storage arrays are critical infrastructure components that often contain sensitive organizational data, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. Once exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to modify storage configurations, access or corrupt data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that organizations cannot rely on traditional authentication-based security measures to prevent exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network access controls may be insufficient.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by NetApp, which address the authentication bypass and input validation issues. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving privilege escalation and command execution, making it a critical target for security teams implementing defensive measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all affected systems have been properly updated and that no additional attack vectors remain unaddressed.