How to remediate – Versant Connection Services Daemon Detection

1. Introduction

Versant Connection Services Daemon Detection indicates a database service is listening on a remote host. This means the Versant Object Database software is running and accessible, potentially allowing unintended access to sensitive data. Systems running Versant Object Database are usually affected. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the database.

2. Technical Explanation

The remote service is a Versant connection services daemon which manages connections to the Versant Object Database. It listens for incoming requests on a network port. An attacker can attempt to connect to this daemon and potentially exploit vulnerabilities within the database software itself. Preconditions include network connectivity to the affected host and knowledge of the listening port.

• Root cause: The service is exposed, allowing remote connections by default.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could use a database client or custom script to connect to the daemon and attempt to execute malicious queries or commands. For example, an attacker might try to bypass authentication or read sensitive data directly from the database.
• Scope: Systems running Versant Object Database on various platforms are affected. Specific versions should be checked against vendor advisories.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming a vulnerable system involves checking for the listening service and identifying its version. A quick check can identify if the port is open, while thorough methods involve examining running processes.

• Quick checks: Use netstat -tulnp or ss -tulnp to see if a process is listening on the default Versant port (typically 1980).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16243 may detect this service. This is an example only and should be verified.
• Logs and evidence: Check system logs for entries related to the Versant daemon starting or accepting connections. Specific log paths depend on the operating system and configuration.

netstat -tulnp | grep 1980

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Fixing this issue involves limiting incoming traffic to the port used by the Versant connection services daemon.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: Ensure stopping the service does not impact critical applications. A roll back plan involves restoring the original firewall rules or restarting the service.
• Change window needs: Consider a maintenance window for this change and obtain approval from relevant stakeholders.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Configure the firewall to allow connections only from trusted hosts or networks. For example, using iptables on Linux: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1980 -s / -j ACCEPT
2. Step 2: Block all other incoming traffic to port 1980: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1980 -j DROP.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# No firewall rules for port 1980

After

iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1980 -s / -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 1980 -j DROP

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict network access to the database service to only necessary hosts or networks.
• Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate the database server on a separate network segment with strict firewall rules.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

#!/bin/bash
# Example Ansible snippet to configure firewall rules
- name: Allow Versant connections from trusted network
  iptables:
    chain: INPUT
    protocol: tcp
    destination_port: 1980
    source: /
    jump: ACCEPT
- name: Drop all other Versant connections
  iptables:
    chain: INPUT
    protocol: tcp
    destination_port: 1980
    jump: DROP

5. Verification / Validation

Confirming the fix involves checking firewall rules and verifying that only allowed hosts can connect to the Versant service.

• Post-fix check: Run iptables -L INPUT and verify the rules allowing connections from trusted networks are present, and a rule dropping all other traffic exists.
• Re-test: Attempt to connect to port 1980 from an untrusted host. The connection should be refused or dropped.
• Smoke test: Verify that applications requiring access to the database can still connect from trusted hosts.
• Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for blocked connections on port 1980 as a regression indicator.

iptables -L INPUT | grep 1980

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.

• Baselines: Update security baselines or policies to include firewall rules for all exposed services.
• Pipelines: Integrate network configuration checks into CI/CD pipelines to ensure consistent firewall settings.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for asset inventory and patch management, including database software.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Roll back: Remove the added iptables rules using iptables -D INPUT , where corresponds to the rule you want to delete.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.versant.com/