CVE-2019-16301 in ONOS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Open Network Operating System (ONOS) 1.14. In the virtual tenant network application (org.onosproject.vtn), the host event listener does not handle the following event types: HOST_MOVED. In combination with other applications, this could lead to the absence of intended code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16301 resides within the Open Network Operating System version 1.14, specifically within the virtual tenant network application component designated as org.onosproject.vtn. This security flaw represents a significant oversight in the event handling mechanisms of the ONOS platform, which serves as a foundational software framework for network operating systems. The issue manifests when the host event listener fails to properly process the HOST_MOVED event type, creating a potential exploitation vector that could undermine network security and operational integrity.
The technical flaw stems from incomplete event processing within the virtual tenant network application, where the system lacks proper handling for the HOST_MOVED event that occurs when network hosts transition between different network segments or locations. This absence of event handling creates a scenario where legitimate network events are not properly processed, potentially leading to inconsistent network state information and disrupted network operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the ONOS architecture, specifically affecting the event-driven processing capabilities that are fundamental to network orchestration and management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple functionality degradation, as it creates potential security implications for network administrators and operators who rely on ONOS for network management. When the HOST_MOVED event is not properly handled, the network may fail to maintain accurate topology information, leading to incorrect routing decisions and potential network disruptions. This flaw could also create opportunities for attackers to exploit the inconsistent network state information, potentially leading to more severe consequences including unauthorized access or network manipulation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-252, which addresses the issue of "Unchecked Return Value" and represents a failure in proper event handling mechanisms that should be robust and comprehensive.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that it operates in conjunction with other applications within the ONOS ecosystem, potentially creating cascading effects that amplify the initial flaw. Network administrators using ONOS 1.14 may experience unexpected behavior when hosts move between network segments, as the system fails to properly update its internal state and routing tables. This incomplete event handling could result in network partitions, routing loops, or other operational failures that compromise network reliability and security. The vulnerability represents a gap in the ATT&CK framework's network infrastructure category, specifically relating to the persistence and privilege escalation techniques that could be leveraged by adversaries who understand the system's event processing limitations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the ONOS platform to version 1.15 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the event handling mechanisms. Network administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous host movement patterns or network state inconsistencies that might indicate the vulnerability's exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated system to ensure that all event types, including HOST_MOVED, are properly handled and that the network maintains consistent state information. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their ONOS deployments to identify any other potential event handling gaps that could create similar vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure.