CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-25940NVD status: Modified

PowerScale OneFS: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

CVE-2023-25940 is a high-severity improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in PowerScale OneFS from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected PowerScale OneFS versions: 9.5.0.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.21% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of PowerScale OneFS you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
DellPowerScale OneFS9.5.0.0Not stated
DellEmc Powerscale Onefs9.5.0.0Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.16.7MediumCNA (emc.com)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD

Official description

Dell PowerScale OneFS version 9.5.0.0 contains improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in isi_gather_info. A high privileged local attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to system takeover and it breaks the compliance mode guarantees.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access

The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system. Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.

More Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities (CWE-59)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in PowerScale OneFS

All PowerScale OneFS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Link Resolution Before File Access vulnerabilities

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