How to remediate – Stratus ftScalable Storage SLP Detection

1. Introduction

The Stratus ftScalable Storage SLP Detection vulnerability means a system identifies itself as a storage device using its Service Location Protocol (SLP) attributes. This can help attackers identify potential targets within a network, specifically Stratus ftScalable SANs. Successful identification could lead to further reconnaissance and exploitation attempts. The likely impact is information disclosure, potentially leading to availability or integrity compromise.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because the Stratus ftScalable SAN advertises its presence using SLP. An attacker can passively scan a network for these advertisements. This allows them to map out the infrastructure and identify systems running this specific storage solution. There is no known CVE associated with this detection, but it represents an information leak that simplifies attack planning. An example exploit involves an attacker scanning a network segment and identifying the Stratus ftScalable SAN, then focusing further attacks on its known vulnerabilities.

• Root cause: The system broadcasts SLP attributes indicating its type as a storage device.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker uses a network scanner to listen for SLP advertisements and identify the Stratus ftScalable SAN.
• Scope: Affected products are Stratus ftScalable SANs, specifically those using SLP attribute information.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking for SLP advertisements on the network or directly examining the system’s configuration. A quick check involves looking for SLP traffic. More thorough assessment requires analysing network captures for specific Stratus attributes.

• Quick checks: Use Wireshark to filter for SLP traffic (port 67 and 68) and examine the service types advertised.
• Scanning: Nmap can be used with the `nmap –script slp-info ` script, but results should be interpreted carefully as this is an example only.
• Logs and evidence: Network traffic captures containing SLP advertisements are the primary source of evidence. Look for service types indicating Stratus ftScalable SANs.

tcpdump -i  port 67 or port 68

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The best solution is to disable SLP on the Stratus ftScalable SAN if it’s not required for network services. If SLP is necessary, restrict access and monitor traffic closely.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: Ensure you have console or remote access to the Stratus ftScalable SAN. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-change snapshot.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Log into the Stratus ftScalable SAN administration interface.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the network configuration settings.
3. Step 3: Disable SLP if it is enabled.
4. Step 4: Save the changes and reboot the system if required.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

SLP Enabled: Yes

After

SLP Enabled: No

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help mitigate this vulnerability type. Least privilege reduces the impact if an attacker gains information about a system. Network segmentation limits the scope of reconnaissance. Regular network scanning helps identify unexpected services running on your infrastructure.

• Practice 1: Least privilege to limit access and potential damage from exploitation.
• Practice 2: Network segmentation to isolate critical systems and reduce attack surface.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is unlikely to be suitable for this specific vulnerability due to the system-specific nature of configuration changes.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by checking that SLP advertisements are no longer broadcast from the Stratus ftScalable SAN. Re-run the earlier detection method and verify it shows no results. Perform a basic service smoke test to ensure functionality remains intact.

• Post-fix check: Use Wireshark to filter for SLP traffic (port 67 and 68). No SLP advertisements should be visible from the target system.
• Re-test: Run `tcpdump -i port 67 or port 68` and confirm no packets are received.
• Monitoring: Monitor network traffic for unexpected SLP advertisements as an example alert.

tcpdump -i  port 67 or port 68

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include disabling unnecessary services like SLP. Implement regular network scanning during deployment to identify unexpected service advertisements. A sensible patch or config review cycle should be in place based on the risk profile of your environment, for example monthly reviews.

• Baselines: Update a security baseline to recommend disabling SLP unless specifically required.
• Pipelines: Add network scanning checks during deployment to identify unexpected services.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle of system configurations.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Applications relying on SLP may fail to function correctly. Mitigation involves testing and restoring the original configuration if necessary.
• Roll back: Restore the system from the pre-change snapshot.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://resource.stratus.com/solution-brief/ftscalable-g4/