CVE-2021-28124 in DataPlatform
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2021
A man-in-the-middle vulnerability in Cohesity DataPlatform support channel in version 6.3 up to 6.3.1g, 6.4 up to 6.4.1c and 6.5.1 through 6.5.1b. Missing server authentication in impacted versions can allow an attacker to Man-in-the-middle (MITM) support channel UI session to Cohesity DataPlatform cluster.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-28124 represents a critical man-in-the-middle attack vector within the Cohesity DataPlatform support channel functionality. This security flaw affects multiple version ranges including 6.3 up to 6.3.1g, 6.4 up to 6.4.1c, and 6.5.1 through 6.5.1b, exposing organizations to significant operational risks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient server authentication mechanisms that fail to properly validate the identity of the Cohesity cluster during support channel communications, creating an exploitable gap in the platform's security architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the support channel UI session handling within the Cohesity DataPlatform. When administrators or support personnel establish connections to Cohesity clusters through the support channel interface, the system fails to authenticate the server identity properly. This missing authentication step allows malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path to intercept and manipulate communications between support clients and Cohesity clusters. The flaw specifically impacts the TLS/SSL certificate validation process, where the system does not adequately verify the server's authenticity, enabling attackers to present fraudulent certificates and establish deceptive connections. This weakness directly maps to CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation and CWE-310 which covers cryptographic issues related to authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions and system configurations. An attacker successfully executing a man-in-the-middle attack could gain unauthorized access to Cohesity cluster management interfaces, potentially leading to data compromise, system manipulation, or privilege escalation within the storage environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects support channel communications, which are often used for critical maintenance and troubleshooting activities where administrators may be performing sensitive operations. This attack vector could enable threat actors to monitor support sessions, inject malicious commands, or redirect users to compromised systems, effectively undermining the trust model of the Cohesity platform and potentially exposing the entire storage infrastructure to unauthorized access.
Organizations utilizing affected Cohesity DataPlatform versions should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions that address the missing server authentication requirements. The recommended remediation strategy involves deploying the latest firmware releases that incorporate proper TLS certificate validation mechanisms and enhanced server authentication protocols. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate MITM activity. Additionally, organizations should implement strict certificate pinning mechanisms where possible and conduct thorough network audits to identify any potential attackers who may have exploited this vulnerability during the affected time periods. Security teams should also review access controls and authentication logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate successful exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 which covers network service scanning and T1566 which addresses credential harvesting through social engineering or network-based attacks. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in enterprise storage platforms and highlights the potential consequences of inadequate cryptographic implementation in support infrastructure components.