CVE-2019-5506 in Clustered Data ONTAP
Summary
by MITRE
Clustered Data ONTAP versions 9.0 and higher do not enforce hostname verification under certain circumstances making them susceptible to impersonation via man-in-the-middle attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5506 affects Clustered Data ONTAP storage systems running version 9.0 and higher, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of network communications. This issue stems from insufficient hostname verification mechanisms within the system's SSL/TLS implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit network traffic interception and manipulation. The flaw specifically manifests under certain operational conditions where the system fails to properly validate the hostnames presented during secure communication establishment, leaving clusters vulnerable to sophisticated attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the cryptographic communication stack of the ONTAP system, where hostname validation occurs during SSL/TLS handshake processes. When certain network configurations or operational states are present, the system bypasses proper certificate validation procedures, allowing attackers to present falsified certificates that appear legitimate to the storage system. This failure directly relates to CWE-295 which defines weaknesses in certificate validation and hostname verification processes, specifically targeting the absence of proper certificate pinning or hostname matching mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, affecting secure communication protocols that are fundamental to storage cluster operations and data protection.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5506 extends beyond simple network eavesdropping, as it enables full impersonation capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can establish man-in-the-middle positions between storage clients and cluster nodes, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying storage operations, or redirecting traffic to malicious endpoints. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1046 which involves network service scanning and exploitation of communication protocols, while also aligning with T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network interception. The implications for enterprise storage environments are severe, as compromised clusters can result in data breaches, operational disruptions, and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of firmware updates from NetApp that address the hostname verification logic and strengthen SSL/TLS certificate validation procedures. Organizations should also implement additional network security controls including strict certificate pinning policies, enhanced monitoring of SSL/TLS handshake failures, and regular verification of certificate chains. Network segmentation and mandatory access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation, while security teams must establish continuous monitoring procedures for anomalous communication patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated systems to ensure that hostname verification functions correctly under all operational conditions, and organizations should consider implementing additional cryptographic measures such as certificate transparency monitoring and automated certificate lifecycle management to prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities.