CVE-2023-32492 in PowerScale OneFS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
Dell PowerScale OneFS 9.5.0.x contains an incorrect default permissions vulnerability. A low-privileged local attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to information disclosure or allowing to modify files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32492 affects Dell PowerScale OneFS version 9.5.0.x and represents a critical issue in the system's permission management framework. This flaw manifests as incorrect default permissions that create exploitable conditions for low-privileged local users. The vulnerability resides within the storage operating system's file system access controls, where default permission settings fail to properly restrict user access to sensitive files and directories. Such misconfigurations can be leveraged by attackers who have already gained local system access to escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to confidential data. The underlying technical flaw involves improper implementation of default access control policies that should normally enforce strict separation between different user roles and system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential file modification capabilities that could compromise the integrity of the storage system. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit the incorrect default permissions to access restricted files, potentially including system configuration data, user credentials, or sensitive operational information. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of Dell PowerScale appliances, as it undermines the principle of least privilege that should govern access to system resources. The flaw particularly impacts environments where multiple users or applications share the same storage system, creating opportunities for lateral movement and data compromise. Organizations relying on PowerScale for critical data storage operations face significant risk of unauthorized data access or modification, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-276 Common Weakness Enumeration category, which specifically addresses incorrect default permissions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation techniques, particularly focusing on the T1068 privilege escalation tactic and T1566 initial access methods. Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches for Dell PowerScale OneFS 9.5.0.x releases. System administrators must also conduct thorough permission audits to identify and correct any existing misconfigurations that could be exploited. Additional protective measures include implementing strict monitoring of file access patterns, enforcing regular security assessments, and ensuring proper segregation of duties within the storage environment. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous access patterns consistent with privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission misconfigurations can create significant security risks in enterprise storage systems.