CVE-2018-7099 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 disclosure of privileged information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7099 affects the 3PAR Service Processor (SP) firmware versions prior to SP-4.4.0.GA-110(MU7) and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that can be exploited locally by authenticated users. This vulnerability resides within the service processor component of HPE 3PAR storage systems, which serves as a management interface for system administration and monitoring functions. The service processor operates as a separate embedded system within the storage array, providing out-of-band management capabilities and maintaining system configuration data. The flaw allows an attacker with local access to the service processor to extract privileged information that should normally be restricted from unauthorized access, potentially exposing sensitive system details including configuration parameters, user credentials, and operational data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and information protection mechanisms within the service processor firmware. Specifically, the flaw manifests as a privilege escalation or information disclosure issue where local authenticated users can bypass normal security boundaries to access restricted system information. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-200 - Information Exposure, which encompasses weaknesses that allow information to be accessed by unauthorized actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level within the service processor, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security scanning tools. The local exploitation requirement means that an attacker must first gain access to the service processor environment, which could occur through legitimate administrative access or through other compromised system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked privileged information could enable more sophisticated attacks against the storage system and underlying network infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially obtain system configuration details that would aid in planning further attacks, including identifying network topology, system capabilities, and potential security weaknesses. The exposure of sensitive system information through the service processor creates a significant risk for organizations relying on 3PAR storage solutions, as this information could be leveraged to conduct targeted attacks against the storage infrastructure or to move laterally within the network environment. The service processor's role as a management interface means that the compromised information could include details about storage volumes, access controls, and administrative credentials that could be used to escalate privileges or access protected data.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating the 3PAR Service Processor firmware to version SP-4.4.0.GA-110(MU7) or later to address the vulnerability. The remediation process should involve careful planning and testing of firmware updates to ensure system stability and prevent operational disruptions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be reviewed to limit local access to service processor interfaces, following principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their 3PAR storage environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for anomalous access patterns to service processor interfaces. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be implemented to maintain ongoing protection against similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in other system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all system components and implementing comprehensive security monitoring for embedded systems and management interfaces.