CVE-2024-32852 Overview
CVE-2024-32852 affects Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.2.x through 9.7.0.0. The vulnerability stems from the use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm [CWE-327]. An unprivileged network attacker can exploit this weakness remotely without user interaction. Successful exploitation can lead to data leaks affecting the confidentiality of information processed by the storage platform.
Dell disclosed this issue as part of security advisory DSA-2024-255, which addresses multiple vulnerabilities in PowerScale OneFS. The flaw carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5, reflecting the network-accessible attack surface and high confidentiality impact.
Critical Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit weak cryptography in Dell PowerScale OneFS to access sensitive data traversing or stored by the appliance.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerScale OneFS 8.2.2.x
- Dell PowerScale OneFS 9.0.0.x through 9.6.0.x
- Dell PowerScale OneFS 9.7.0.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-02 - CVE-2024-32852 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-32852
Vulnerability Analysis
Dell PowerScale OneFS is a scale-out network-attached storage (NAS) operating system used by enterprises for unstructured data workloads. The vulnerability resides in the implementation of a cryptographic algorithm considered broken or risky by modern standards. Weak ciphers, deprecated hash functions, or insufficient key strength allow attackers to recover plaintext from intercepted ciphertext.
Because the cryptographic weakness is exposed over the network, attackers do not require credentials or local access. The impact rating focuses on confidentiality, indicating that integrity and availability of the storage system remain intact. Data traversing the affected component can be decrypted or inferred without compromising the host.
Root Cause
The root cause maps to [CWE-327]: Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm. Dell has not publicly disclosed the specific algorithm involved. Common scenarios for this CWE include the continued support of legacy SSL/TLS ciphers, use of deprecated hashes such as MD5 or SHA-1 for sensitive operations, or reliance on short key lengths that no longer resist modern cryptanalysis.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low complexity and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker positioned to communicate with or intercept traffic to an affected OneFS node can leverage the weakness to extract sensitive material. Exploitation typically involves negotiating a vulnerable cipher suite or performing offline cryptanalysis against captured data.
Dell has not published technical exploitation details. Administrators should consult the Dell Security Update DSA-2024-255 for specifics on affected components.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-32852
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected TLS handshakes negotiating legacy or weak cipher suites against PowerScale management or data interfaces.
- Unusual volumes of outbound traffic from OneFS nodes following sustained network sessions from untrusted sources.
- Authentication or session anomalies in OneFS audit logs that correlate with external network reconnaissance.
Detection Strategies
- Scan PowerScale OneFS nodes with TLS auditing tools to enumerate supported ciphers and identify deprecated algorithms.
- Cross-reference installed OneFS versions against the affected range (8.2.2.x through 9.7.0.0) using configuration management data.
- Inspect network captures for protocol downgrades or cipher negotiations targeting OneFS management endpoints.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OneFS audit, authentication, and protocol logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation against network telemetry.
- Alert on traffic to OneFS nodes that originates outside expected management or client subnets.
- Track patch compliance for DSA-2024-255 across all OneFS clusters as part of vulnerability management reporting.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-32852
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all Dell PowerScale OneFS clusters and identify any node running versions 8.2.2.x through 9.7.0.0.
- Apply the OneFS update referenced in Dell advisory DSA-2024-255 as soon as a maintenance window allows.
- Restrict network access to OneFS management interfaces to trusted administrative networks only.
Patch Information
Dell released fixed OneFS versions through security advisory DSA-2024-255. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2024-255 for the complete list of remediated builds and upgrade guidance. Upgrade clusters to a fixed OneFS release rather than relying solely on configuration mitigations.
Workarounds
- Segment OneFS clusters behind firewalls and limit exposure of management and data protocols to authorized hosts.
- Disable legacy protocols and weak TLS cipher suites in OneFS configuration where the option is supported.
- Enforce mutual TLS or VPN tunneling for administrative access to reduce exposure of weak cryptographic exchanges.
# Verify current OneFS version on a cluster node
isi version
# Review configured SMB and HTTP protocol settings for legacy options
isi smb settings global view
isi http settings view
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
