CVE-2018-7098 in Service Processor
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability was identified in 3PAR Service Processor (SP) prior to SP-4.4.0.GA-110(MU7). The vulnerability may be locally exploited to allow directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2018-7098 affects the 3PAR Service Processor (SP) software version prior to SP-4.4.0.GA-110(MU7) and represents a directory traversal security flaw that can be exploited locally by attackers with access to the system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation where the service processor fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file system operations. The 3PAR Service Processor serves as a management interface for HPE 3PAR storage systems and provides administrative functions including system monitoring, configuration management, and firmware updates. When an attacker can manipulate file paths through directory traversal techniques, they gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files and directories that should normally be restricted.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of file path parameters within the service processor's web interface or command processing mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as "../" or "..\" to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. This flaw allows unauthorized access to system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive information stored within the service processor's file system. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue since it requires physical or network access to the service processor but does not necessarily require administrative credentials to exploit. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or modify critical system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7098 is significant for organizations utilizing HPE 3PAR storage systems, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where unauthorized access to management interfaces could occur. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to system configuration files, authentication credentials, firmware images, and other sensitive data that could be used for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for lateral movement or privilege escalation attacks, especially when combined with other security weaknesses in the storage infrastructure. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') and represents a critical weakness in the service processor's input validation mechanisms that directly violates the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the patch provided by HPE in SP-4.4.0.GA-110(MU7) to address the directory traversal flaw. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive network segmentation to isolate service processor interfaces from unauthorized access, implementation of strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and regular security audits of management interfaces. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious file access patterns and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify potential directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust input validation controls as recommended by the ATT&CK framework under the technique of T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 - Valid Accounts. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other storage management interfaces and ensure that all management components follow secure coding practices to prevent similar directory traversal vulnerabilities in the future.