CVE-2020-5371 in Isilon OneFS
Summary
by MITRE
Dell EMC Isilon OneFS versions 8.2.2 and earlier and Dell EMC PowerScale version 9.0.0 contain a file permissions vulnerability. An attacker, with network or local file access, could take advantage of insufficiently applied file permissions or gain unauthorized access to files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5371 affects Dell EMC Isilon OneFS storage systems running versions 8.2.2 and earlier, as well as Dell EMC PowerScale version 9.0.0, representing a critical file permissions flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise storage environments. This vulnerability stems from insufficiently applied file permissions within the storage operating system, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on these systems. The flaw exists at the authorization layer of the storage infrastructure, where proper access controls fail to be enforced consistently across all file system components. According to CWE-284, this represents an improper access control vulnerability where the system fails to properly enforce file permissions, allowing unauthorized entities to access restricted resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including network-based access or local file system access, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure of the storage system to properly enforce file permission controls during file access operations. When users or processes attempt to access files on the affected systems, the permission checking mechanisms either fail to validate access rights properly or apply permissions inconsistently across different file system operations. This weakness allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially read, write, or modify files that should be restricted to authorized users only. The flaw specifically impacts the file system's ability to maintain proper access control lists and permission enforcement mechanisms that are fundamental to storage security. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in data exposure, data integrity compromise, and potential system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized file access as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive configuration data that could be used for further attacks within the storage environment.
The operational implications of CVE-2020-5371 are severe given that Dell EMC Isilon and PowerScale systems are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where they store critical business data, backup files, and sensitive information. Organizations using affected versions of these storage systems face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses due to unauthorized access to stored information. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require high-level technical skills, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including both internal and external attackers. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to perform data exfiltration, modify critical storage configurations, or establish persistence within the storage environment. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product versions including both OneFS and PowerScale platforms indicates a systemic issue within the storage operating system's permission handling mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could leverage the compromised access to move laterally within storage networks or establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5371 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions that address the file permission vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews and ensure that proper file permission settings are enforced across all storage volumes and file systems. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to storage systems to only authorized users and systems. Regular security audits and permission reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate any misconfigurations that could exacerbate the vulnerability. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual file access patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough risk assessments to determine the scope of potentially affected data and implement appropriate data loss prevention measures. The remediation process should include verification that all file permissions are properly enforced and that access controls are functioning as intended. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as encryption at rest for sensitive data and multi-factor authentication for administrative access to storage systems. Proper logging and monitoring of file access operations should be enabled to provide visibility into potential exploitation attempts and support incident response activities.