CVE-2024-25968 Overview
CVE-2024-25968 is a cryptographic weakness affecting Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.x through 9.7.0.2. The flaw stems from the use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm [CWE-327] within the storage operating system. A remote unauthenticated attacker can exploit the weakness over the network to disclose sensitive information processed or transmitted by the appliance. Dell published advisory DSA-2024-163 to address this and related issues in PowerScale OneFS.
Critical Impact
Remote unauthenticated attackers can exploit weak cryptography in PowerScale OneFS to recover confidential data, breaking the confidentiality guarantees of protected communications and stored information.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerScale OneFS 8.2.x through 9.7.0.2
- PowerScale storage clusters running vulnerable OneFS releases
- Isilon hardware platforms running affected OneFS versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-14 - CVE-2024-25968 published to NVD
- 2024-05-14 - Dell publishes security advisory DSA-2024-163
- 2026-02-20 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-25968
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-327] Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm. PowerScale OneFS implements cryptographic operations using primitives or modes considered weak by current standards. This category typically covers deprecated ciphers such as DES, RC4, MD5, or SHA-1, weak Diffie-Hellman parameters, or insecure TLS configurations. An attacker who can observe or interact with vulnerable cryptographic exchanges can recover plaintext or derive secrets without authentication.
The vulnerability impacts confidentiality only. Integrity and availability remain intact, indicating the flaw exposes protected data rather than enabling tampering or service disruption. Network reachability to the affected OneFS service is the only prerequisite for exploitation.
Root Cause
The root cause is the inclusion of cryptographic algorithms or parameters that no longer meet modern security thresholds. Dell has not disclosed the exact protocol or component containing the weak cipher. The advisory DSA-2024-163 addresses the issue by replacing the algorithm with stronger primitives in fixed OneFS releases.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to a PowerScale OneFS cluster running a vulnerable version. No credentials or user interaction are required. An attacker positioned on the network can capture cryptographically protected traffic and apply cryptanalytic techniques against the weak algorithm to recover information. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2024-163 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-25968
Indicators of Compromise
- No public indicators of compromise are documented for CVE-2024-25968.
- Unusual passive network capture activity directed at PowerScale management or data interfaces.
- Repeated TLS or protocol negotiations from external sources attempting to force weak cipher selection.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all PowerScale OneFS clusters and identify nodes running versions 8.2.x through 9.7.0.2.
- Run TLS and cipher scans such as nmap --script ssl-enum-ciphers against OneFS endpoints to identify weak algorithm support.
- Review OneFS audit logs for connections negotiating deprecated cipher suites or hash algorithms.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OneFS audit and protocol logs to a centralized SIEM for cipher negotiation analysis.
- Alert on long-lived sessions or anomalous traffic volumes to PowerScale storage interfaces from untrusted networks.
- Track configuration drift on OneFS clusters to confirm patched releases remain deployed.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-25968
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the Dell-supplied OneFS update referenced in DSA-2024-163 to all affected clusters.
- Restrict network access to PowerScale management and data interfaces to trusted administrative networks.
- Audit cipher and protocol configurations on OneFS clusters and disable weak algorithms where configurable.
Patch Information
Dell released fixes for CVE-2024-25968 in OneFS versions later than 9.7.0.2. Customers should consult the Dell Security Update DSA-2024-163 for the specific fixed releases and upgrade procedures for their hardware platform.
Workarounds
- No vendor-confirmed workaround replaces patching; upgrade to a fixed OneFS release.
- Place PowerScale clusters behind segmented management networks accessible only via VPN or jump hosts.
- Terminate client connections at a TLS-capable proxy that enforces strong cipher suites if direct upgrades are delayed.
# Configuration example: enumerate weak ciphers exposed by OneFS endpoints
nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers -p 443,8080 <onefs-cluster-ip>
# Verify current OneFS version on a node
isi version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
