CVE-2018-1431 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-1431 affecting IBM Spectrum Scale versions 4.1.1, 4.2.0, 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 5.0.0. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this privilege escalation vulnerability.
IBM Spectrum Scale versions 4.1.1, 4.2.0, 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 5.0.0 are affected by a vulnerability in GSKit that could allow a local attacker to gain control of the Spectrum Scale daemon, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of files within the system.
Understanding CVE-2018-1431
This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in IBM Spectrum Scale versions 4.1.1, 4.2.0, 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 5.0.0.
What is CVE-2018-1431?
- The vulnerability in GSKit could enable a local attacker to compromise the Spectrum Scale daemon.
- Attackers may exploit this issue to access and modify files in the Spectrum Scale file system.
- Successful exploitation could result in the attacker gaining administrator privileges on the affected node.
The Impact of CVE-2018-1431
- CVSS Score: 7.4 (High)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Privileges Required: None
- Exploit Code Maturity: Unproven
- Remediation Level: Official Fix
- Report Confidence: Confirmed
Technical Details of CVE-2018-1431
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows a local attacker to compromise the Spectrum Scale daemon, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of files within the system.
Affected Systems and Versions
- IBM Spectrum Scale 4.1.1
- IBM Spectrum Scale 4.2.0
- IBM Spectrum Scale 4.2.1
- IBM Spectrum Scale 4.2.3
- IBM Spectrum Scale 5.0.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability in GSKit could be exploited by a local attacker to gain control of the Spectrum Scale daemon, potentially resulting in unauthorized access and manipulation of files within the system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the official fix provided by IBM to address the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or changes within the Spectrum Scale file system.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch IBM Spectrum Scale to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential attack surfaces.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure that all affected versions of IBM Spectrum Scale are updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.