CVE-2018-7120 in Virtual Connect SE 16Gb Fibre Channel Module
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability in the HPE Virtual Connect SE 16Gb Fibre Channel Module for HPE Synergy running firmware 5.00.50, which is part of the HPE Synergy Custom SPP 2018.11.20190205, could allow local or remote unauthorized elevation of privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7120 affects the HPE Virtual Connect SE 16Gb Fibre Channel Module within the HPE Synergy infrastructure platform. This module operates as a critical networking component that facilitates high-speed fibre channel communications between servers and storage arrays. The affected firmware version 5.00.50 contains a security flaw that permits unauthorized users to escalate their privileges from standard user levels to administrative access. The vulnerability exists within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the module's firmware, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain elevated system privileges without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access control implementations within the firmware's privilege management system. Attackers can exploit this weakness through local or remote means to execute privilege escalation attacks that bypass normal security controls. The flaw likely involves insufficient validation of user credentials or improper handling of privilege levels during authentication processes. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on inadequate privilege management and authentication mechanisms. The attack vector can be initiated through network-based exploitation or physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where such modules are deployed.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7120 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to gain full administrative control over the fibre channel module. This access level allows unauthorized users to modify network configurations, access sensitive data flows, and potentially disrupt critical storage communications within the HPE Synergy environment. The vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise data integrity and availability, as compromised modules could serve as attack vectors for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations using HPE Synergy platforms with affected firmware versions face potential exposure to data breaches, service disruptions, and unauthorized access to critical storage resources. The impact is particularly severe given that fibre channel modules typically handle high-value data transactions and are integral to storage area network operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from HPE to address the privilege escalation flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these modules and establish strict access controls for administrative functions. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize potential damage from compromised accounts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or privilege escalation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and potentially lateral movement phases within attack chains. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their HPE Synergy infrastructure and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. Regular security audits and continuous monitoring of firmware versions are essential to maintain the integrity of these critical networking components.