1. Introduction
SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor (formerly SolarWinds Storage Manager) is a web-based application used for managing storage infrastructure. Its presence on a network indicates potential exposure to risks associated with its known vulnerabilities and the wider SolarWinds supply chain attacks. This affects businesses using this software for storage monitoring and reporting. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of storage data and connected systems.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability lies in the presence of the web-based application itself, which has been a target for attackers due to past security incidents affecting SolarWinds products. Exploitation typically involves identifying exposed instances and attempting to compromise them through known vulnerabilities or default credentials. Preconditions include network access to the application’s port (usually 80 or 443) and potentially weak authentication settings.
- Root cause: The detection of the software indicates a potential attack surface due to past compromises affecting SolarWinds products.
- Exploit mechanism: Attackers scan for exposed instances, attempt default credentials, and exploit known vulnerabilities in the application’s web interface.
- Scope: Systems running SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor (formerly SolarWinds Storage Manager) on Windows platforms are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of the software is the primary assessment step. This can be done quickly through port scans or by checking installed applications.
- Quick checks: Use a web browser to access the application’s default URL (usually via IP address). Check for the SolarWinds logo and login page.
- Scanning: Nessus vulnerability ID 168439 can detect exposed instances of SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor. This is an example only, other scanners may also provide detection capabilities.
- Logs and evidence: Review web server logs for requests to the application’s URL or associated files. Event IDs related to SolarWinds software installation or configuration changes may be present in Windows event logs.
netstat -an | findstr "80"4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Due to the history of compromises with SolarWinds products, removal is recommended unless absolutely required and actively patched. The following steps outline how to uninstall the application.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have administrator privileges on the affected system. A roll back plan involves restoring the configuration backup if needed.
- A change window may be required depending on business impact and downtime tolerance. Approval from IT management is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Open ‘Control Panel’ and navigate to ‘Programs and Features’.
- Step 2: Locate ‘SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor’ in the list of installed programs.
- Step 3: Right-click on ‘SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor’ and select ‘Uninstall’.
- Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
4.3 Config or Code Example
This vulnerability does not involve specific configuration changes, but rather the presence of the software itself.
Before
SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor is installed and running.After
SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor is uninstalled.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Given the history of SolarWinds compromises, a strong asset management process and patch cadence are crucial. Least privilege principles should be applied to any remaining SolarWinds products.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege access controls to limit the potential impact of compromised accounts or applications.
- Practice 2: Regularly review and update security baselines for all installed software, including SolarWinds products.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
PowerShell can be used to uninstall the application remotely.
#Requires -RunAsAdministrator
$appName = "SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor"
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*$appName*"} | Uninstall5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the application is no longer present and that associated services are stopped.
- Post-fix check: Run ‘Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like “*SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor*”}’ – this should return no results.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick checks from Section 3, which should now show no response or login page.
- Smoke test: Verify that any storage monitoring functions previously handled by SolarWinds are now covered by alternative solutions.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any residual requests related to the application’s URL.
Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor*"}6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
For example, implement a robust software inventory process to track all installed applications and their versions. Regularly review vendor security advisories for potential vulnerabilities.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to prohibit the installation of SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor unless specifically approved with documented justification.
- Pipelines: Implement application whitelisting or control policies to prevent unauthorized software installations.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular schedule for reviewing installed applications and applying security patches.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Loss of storage monitoring capabilities during uninstallation and re-implementation of an alternative solution.
- Risk or side effect 2: Potential data loss if storage configurations are not backed up prior to uninstalling the application.
- Roll back: Restore the configuration backup created in Step 4.1, then reinstall SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor if necessary.
8. References and Resources
Official advisories from SolarWinds should be consulted for specific vulnerability details.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?0ef92520
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is listed in the provided context.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://support.solarwinds.com/