How to remediate – Western Digital ShareSpace Detection

1. Introduction

The Western Digital ShareSpace Detection identifies devices running Western Digital ShareSpace, a network attached storage (NAS) device with an embedded web server. These devices can be exposed to remote attacks due to default configurations and known vulnerabilities in the web server software. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorised access to stored data. This poses a risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data held on the ShareSpace device.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability stems from the presence of an accessible web server on Western Digital ShareSpace devices. The default configuration often lacks strong security measures, making it susceptible to attacks such as directory traversal or command injection. An attacker could exploit this by sending malicious requests to the web server interface.

• Root cause: Weak default configurations and potentially unpatched vulnerabilities in the embedded web server software.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to the ShareSpace device’s web interface, attempting to execute arbitrary commands or access sensitive files. For example, a directory traversal attack could allow an attacker to read system configuration files.
• Scope: Western Digital ShareSpace NAS devices are affected. Specific versions may be more vulnerable than others depending on firmware age and patch status.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming the presence of a ShareSpace device is the first step in assessing vulnerability. A quick check can identify the device, while deeper scanning will reveal open ports and running services.

• Quick checks: Use `nmap` to scan for port 80 or 443 on your network. The presence of a Western Digital web server banner indicates a ShareSpace device.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 129675 can identify Western Digital NAS devices, including ShareSpace models. This is an example only and may require updating.
• Logs and evidence: Check firewall logs for connections to port 80 or 443 originating from the device’s IP address. Look for unusual HTTP requests in web server access logs if accessible.

nmap -p 80,443 

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to isolate or decommission vulnerable ShareSpace devices due to the lack of ongoing security support. If decommissioning isn’t possible, strict network segmentation and monitoring are essential.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have a documented roll back plan in case of unexpected issues. This may involve restoring from backup or re-imaging the device.
• A change window should be planned with appropriate approvals, especially if data is business critical.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Isolate the ShareSpace device on a separate network segment with no access to sensitive internal resources.
2. Step 2: If possible, decommission the device and migrate data to a supported NAS solution.
3. Step 3: If decommissioning is not immediately feasible, disable remote administration access completely.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# Default configuration - Remote Admin enabled
remote_admin = true

After

# Secure Configuration - Remote Admin disabled
remote_admin = false

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can mitigate the risks associated with vulnerable devices like Western Digital ShareSpace. Least privilege and network segmentation are particularly important.

• Practice 1: Network segmentation limits the blast radius of a successful attack by isolating vulnerable systems from critical resources.
• Practice 2: Least privilege restricts access to only those users who require it, reducing the potential impact if an account is compromised.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example PowerShell script to block inbound traffic on ports 80 & 443 (use with caution)
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block ShareSpace Ports" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 80,443 -Action Block

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that remote administration access is disabled and that the device is isolated on a separate network segment. A smoke test can ensure basic functionality remains operational if required.

• Post-fix check: Use `nmap` to scan port 80 or 443 again. No open ports should be visible from outside the isolated network.
• Re-test: Re-run the initial Nessus scan (plugin ID 129675). The device should no longer be identified as vulnerable if properly isolated and/or decommissioned.
• Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for any attempts to connect to the ShareSpace device from unauthorized sources.

nmap -p 80,443 

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Preventing similar issues involves maintaining a current security baseline and incorporating vulnerability scanning into your CI/CD pipeline. Asset management is also crucial to identify end-of-life devices.

• Baselines: Update your network device baseline to exclude unsupported or vulnerable devices like Western Digital ShareSpace.
• Pipelines: Integrate vulnerability scanners into your CI/CD pipeline to detect known vulnerabilities in deployed systems.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular asset inventory review cycle to identify end-of-life devices that require replacement or decommissioning.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Isolating the device may disrupt network connectivity. Decommissioning will result in data loss if not backed up. A roll back involves restoring from backup or re-enabling remote access (not recommended).

• Risk or side effect 1: Network isolation could temporarily interrupt services relying on the ShareSpace device.
• Risk or side effect 2: Decommissioning without a proper backup will result in permanent data loss.
• Roll back: 1) Restore from backup if available. 2) If remote access was re-enabled, immediately isolate the device again and plan for decommissioning.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: No current official advisory available from Western Digital for ShareSpace devices.
• NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE listed for the general ShareSpace device vulnerabilities, but related web server exploits may exist.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Western Digital Support Website