1. Introduction
The EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance 8.x < 8.3.0 is affected by a remote command execution vulnerability. This allows an attacker to run commands on the appliance, potentially gaining full control of the system. Systems running this virtual appliance are at risk. A successful exploit could lead to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data stored or processed by the vulnerable appliance.
2. Technical Explanation
The EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance versions 8.x prior to 8.3.0 contain flaws in its web interface that allow remote command execution. An authenticated attacker can exploit vulnerabilities in the GeneralCmdRequest, PersistantDataRequest, and GetCommandExecRequest classes by sending a specially crafted request. Unauthenticated attackers can also execute commands via the GetSymmCmdRequest and RemoteServiceHandler classes using a crafted request.
- Root cause: Multiple flaws exist in the web interface related to insecure handling of requests.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends a malicious HTTP request to the vulnerable appliance, which is then processed leading to arbitrary command execution with root privileges.
- Scope: EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance versions 8.x prior to 8.3.0 are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking the version of the installed appliance. A thorough method involves reviewing web server logs for suspicious activity.
- Quick checks: Check the version using the appliance’s management interface or command line tools, if available.
- Scanning: Nessus and other vulnerability scanners may detect this issue with appropriate plugins. These are examples only.
- Logs and evidence: Review web server access logs for unusual requests targeting the web interface.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped, but plan for potential downtime during the upgrade process. A roll back plan is to restore from the previous backup/snapshot.
- Change windows may be required depending on your environment and approval processes.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Upgrade the EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance to version 8.3.0 or later. Refer to the vendor documentation for upgrade instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Version 8.x prior to 8.3.0 is vulnerable.
After
Version 8.3.0 or later is patched.
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this type of issue. Least privilege reduces the impact if exploited, and input validation blocks unsafe data. A regular patch cadence ensures timely application of security updates.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege principles to limit the potential damage from a compromised account or service.
- Practice 2: Enforce strict input validation on all user-supplied data to prevent malicious payloads from being processed.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No automation script available without specific environment details. Upgrade process must be followed manually using vendor documentation.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by checking the version of the upgraded appliance and re-running any earlier detection methods. Perform a simple service smoke test to ensure functionality remains intact.
- Post-fix check: Verify the installed version is 8.3.0 or later via the management interface.
- Re-test: Re-run the initial version check to confirm the upgrade was successful.
- Smoke test: Test basic functionality of the appliance, such as accessing storage resources and performing common tasks.
# No specific command available without appliance access. Check version via UI - should show 8.3.0 or later.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include the latest patch levels for all systems. Implement checks in CI/CD pipelines to prevent vulnerable versions from being deployed. Maintain a sensible patch review cycle based on risk assessment.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require version 8.3.0 or later of EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle (e.g., monthly) to ensure timely application of security updates.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Upgrading the appliance may cause temporary service disruption. Always have a backup available for roll back.
- Risk or side effect 1: Upgrade process could lead to temporary downtime.
- Roll back: Restore from the pre-upgrade backup/snapshot if issues occur during the upgrade process.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2016/Oct/att-7/ESA-2016-121.txt
- NVD or CVE entry: CVE-2016-6645, CVE-2016-6646
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: No specific link available. Refer to EMC support documentation for upgrade instructions.