How to remediate – Apache Storm Version Detection

1. Introduction

Apache Storm Version Detection allows an attacker to determine the version of Apache Storm running on a remote host. This information can be used to identify known vulnerabilities in specific versions, potentially leading to exploitation. Systems running Apache Storm are typically affected, with a likely impact on confidentiality through potential information disclosure and integrity if exploited via identified vulnerabilities.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability lies in the ability to determine the version of Apache Storm installed on a system. An attacker can identify the specific version running by querying exposed endpoints or examining publicly available information. This allows them to target known weaknesses within that particular release. There is no CVE associated with this detection, but it’s a prerequisite for further exploitation of any identified vulnerabilities in specific versions.

• Root cause: Version information is accessible without authentication.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker can query the Storm UI or other exposed endpoints to identify the version number. For example, an attacker might use a simple HTTP request to retrieve version details from the Storm master node’s web interface.
• Scope: Apache Storm versions are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

• Quick checks: Use the command ps aux | grep storm to identify running Storm processes and potentially exposed endpoints.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138794 can detect Apache Storm version information, but results should be verified manually.
• Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for requests accessing the Storm UI or other potential version disclosure points.

ps aux | grep storm

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The following steps detail how to remediate the Apache Storm Version Detection vulnerability.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to the Storm configuration files and the ability to restart the cluster. A roll back plan involves restoring the original configuration files and restarting the service.
• Change windows may be required for production environments; approval from system owners is recommended.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Configure Storm UI access to require authentication. This typically involves modifying the storm.yaml configuration file.
2. Step 2: Restart the Storm cluster for the changes to take effect.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

ui.port: 8080

After

ui.port: 8080
ui.username: admin
ui.password: password

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this type of vulnerability.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to sensitive information and services to only authorized users.
• Practice 2: Secure defaults – configure systems with strong default settings, including authentication for web interfaces.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is not directly applicable in this case as the fix involves configuration changes that are best managed through established deployment processes.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that access to the Storm UI now requires authentication. Re-run the earlier detection methods to ensure version information is no longer publicly accessible. Perform a simple service smoke test to confirm functionality remains intact.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to access the Storm UI without credentials; you should be prompted for a username and password.
• Re-test: Re-run ps aux | grep storm and verify that no version information is directly exposed.
• Smoke test: Verify basic Storm functionality, such as submitting a simple topology.

Attempt to access the Storm UI via web browser without credentials. Expect authentication prompt.

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include requirements for authentication on all exposed services. Incorporate checks in CI/CD pipelines to ensure secure defaults are applied during deployment.

• Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to require authentication for the Storm UI.
• Pipelines: Add checks in your CI/CD pipeline to verify that the storm.yaml file includes username and password settings.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for configuration files to ensure they remain secure.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Adding authentication may require updates to monitoring scripts or automated processes that currently access the UI without credentials. The roll back steps involve restoring the original storm.yaml file.

• Risk or side effect 1: Existing automation relying on unauthenticated UI access will break and need updating.
• Roll back: Restore the original storm.yaml configuration file and restart the Storm cluster.

8. References and Resources

Links to official resources related to Apache Storm.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://storm.apache.org