Microsoft Security Bulletin MS14-028 - Important
Vulnerabilities in iSCSI Could Allow Denial of Service (2962485)
Published: May 13, 2014 | Updated: September 3, 2014
Version: 1.1
General Information
Executive Summary
This security update resolves two privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows. The vulnerabilities could allow denial of service if an attacker sends large amounts of specially crafted iSCSI packets over the target network. This vulnerability only affects servers for which the iSCSI target role has been enabled.
This security update is rated Important for Windows Storage Server 2008 and all supported editions of Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. It is also rated Important for iSCSI Software Target 3.3 when installed on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by modifying how the affected operating systems handle iSCSI connections. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.
Recommendation. Most customers have automatic updating enabled and will not need to take any action because this security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. Customers who have not enabled automatic updating need to check for updates and install this update manually. For information about specific configuration options in automatic updating, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 294871.
For administrators and enterprise installations, or end users who want to install this security update manually, Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity using update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.
See also the section, Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance, later in this bulletin.
Knowledge Base Article
- Knowledge Base Article: 2962485
- File Information: Yes
- SHA1/SHA2 hashes: Yes
- Known issues: Yes
Affected and Non-Affected Software
The following software has been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle.
Affected Software
**Operating System** | **Component** | **Maximum Security Impact** | **Aggregate Severity Rating** | **Updates Replaced** |
**Windows Server 2008** | ||||
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2[1][2] (Windows Storage Server 2008 only) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2[1][2] (Windows Storage Server 2008 only) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
**Windows Server 2008 R2** | ||||
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 | [iSCSI Software Target 3.3](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=800526ce-9df6-41dc-ae74-a11d5591469a)[2] (2933826) | Denial of Service | Important | None |
**Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2** | ||||
[Windows Server 2012](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=9ce71aa5-c386-4820-aac7-03a406c3bf48)[2] (2933826) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
[Windows Server 2012 R2](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=0e3fcb2c-9850-41ec-8311-078d860009eb)[2][3] (2933826) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
[Windows Server 2012 R2](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=e1dc3e0b-9cc4-41d6-a102-398e2d59e9eb)[2][4] (2962073) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
**Server Core installation option** | ||||
[Windows Server 2012](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=9ce71aa5-c386-4820-aac7-03a406c3bf48) (Server Core installation)[2] (2933826) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
[Windows Server 2012 R2](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=0e3fcb2c-9850-41ec-8311-078d860009eb) (Server Core installation)[2][3] (2933826) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
[Windows Server 2012 R2](https://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?familyid=e1dc3e0b-9cc4-41d6-a102-398e2d59e9eb) (Server Core installation)[2][4] (2962073) | Not applicable | Denial of Service | Important | None |
Non-Affected Software
Operating System |
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 |
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems |
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 |
Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2 |
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (excluding Windows Storage Server 2008) |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (excluding Windows Storage Server 2008) |
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2 |
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1 |
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1 |
Windows 8 for 32-bit Systems |
Windows 8 for x64-based Systems |
Windows 8.1 for 32-bit Systems |
Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems |
Windows RT |
Windows RT 8.1 |
Server Core installation option |
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Server Core installation) |
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (Server Core installation) |
**Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software** | |||
**Affected Software** | **iSCSI Target Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2014-0255** | **iSCSI Target Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2014-0256** | **Aggregate Severity Rating** |
**Windows Server 2008** | |||
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2 (Windows Storage Server 2008 only) | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** |
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2 (Windows Storage Server 2008 only) | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** |
**Windows Server 2008 R2** | |||
iSCSI Software Target 3.3 when installed on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1 (2933826) | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** |
**Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2** | |||
Windows Server 2012 (2933826) | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** |
Windows Server 2012 (Server Core installation) (2933826) | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** Denial of Service | **Important** |
Windows Server 2012 R2 (2933826) | **Important** Denial of Service | Not applicable | **Important** |
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (2933826) | **Important** Denial of Service | Not applicable | **Important** |
Windows Server 2012 R2 (2962073) | **Important** Denial of Service | Not applicable | **Important** |
Windows Server 2012 R2 (Server Core installation) (2962073) | **Important** Denial of Service | Not applicable | **Important** |
iSCSI Target Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2014-0255
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the way that affected operating systems handle iSCSI packets. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could cause the affected service or services to stop responding.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2014-0255.
Mitigating Factors
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
- This vulnerability only affects servers for which the iSCSI target role has been enabled.
Workarounds
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
- Limit the attack surface from untrusted networks by placing iSCSI on its own isolated network, separate from any network on which internet traffic flows. For more detail on how to set up iSCSI securely, see Installing and Configuring Microsoft iSCSI Initiator.
- Configure your firewall to restrict access to TCP port 3260 to authorized iSCSI client IP addresses.
FAQ
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability.
What causes the vulnerability?
The affected service improperly manages iSCSI packets. The vulnerability is caused when an attacker sends large amounts of specially crafted iSCSI packets over a target network. This attack can cause denial of service on any systems running the iSCSI service on the target network.
What is iSCSI?
Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) is a protocol that supports access to storage devices over a TCP/IP network, which facilitates storage consolidation and sharing of storage resources across an organization.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected service or services to stop responding.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by creating a large number of specially crafted iSCSI packets and sending the packets to affected systems over a network. The packets could then cause the affected services to stop responding.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Servers that are running the iSCSI target service are at risk from this vulnerability.
What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying how the affected operating systems handle iSCSI connections.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability has been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.
iSCSI Target Remote Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2014-0256
A denial of service vulnerability exists in the way that affected operating systems handle iSCSI connections. An attacker who successfully exploited the vulnerability could cause the affected service or services to stop responding.
To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2014-0256.
Mitigating Factors
Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:
- This vulnerability only affects servers for which the iSCSI target role has been enabled.
Workarounds
Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:
- Limit the attack surface from untrusted networks by placing iSCSI on its own isolated network, separate from any network on which internet traffic flows. For more detail on how to set up iSCSI securely, see Installing and Configuring Microsoft iSCSI Initiator.
- Configure your firewall to restrict access to TCP port 3260 to authorized iSCSI client IP addresses.
FAQ
What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability.
What causes the vulnerability?
The affected service improperly manages iSCSI packets. The vulnerability is caused when an attacker sends large amounts of specially crafted iSCSI packets over a target network. This attack can cause denial of service on any systems running the iSCSI service on the target network.
What is iSCSI?
Internet Small Computer Systems Interface (iSCSI) is a protocol that supports access to storage devices over a TCP/IP network, which facilitates storage consolidation and sharing of storage resources across an organization.
What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected service or services to stop responding.
How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by creating a large number of specially crafted iSCSI packets and sending the packets to affected systems over a network. The packets could then cause the affected services to stop responding.
What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
Servers that are running the iSCSI target service are at risk from this vulnerability.
What does the update do?
The update addresses the vulnerability by modifying how the affected operating systems handle iSCSI connections.
When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through coordinated vulnerability disclosure.
When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability has been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.
Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance
Several resources are available to help administrators deploy security updates.
- Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) lets administrators scan local and remote systems for missing security updates and common security misconfigurations.
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Systems Management Server (SMS), and System Center Configuration Manager help administrators distribute security updates.
- The Update Compatibility Evaluator components included with Application Compatibility Toolkit aid in streamlining the testing and validation of Windows updates against installed applications.
For information about these and other tools that are available, see Security Tools for IT Pros.
Security Update Deployment
Windows Server 2008 R2 (all editions)
Reference Table
The following table contains the security update information for this software.
Security update file name | For iSCSI Software Target 3.3 when installed on Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1: Windows6.1-KB2933826-X64.exe |
Installation switches | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307 |
Restart requirement | In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart. To help reduce the chance that a restart will be required, stop all affected services and close all applications that may use the affected files prior to installing the security update. For more information about the reasons why you may be prompted to restart, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 887012. |
Removal information | To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click Programs, and then under Programs and Features, click Uninstall a program and select from the list of programs. Note: Uninstallation will remove iSCSI Target from the system, including its configuration settings. For instructions on exporting the iSCSI configuration settings for backup purposes prior to uninstallation, see Migrating Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. Also note that customers who want to revert to iSCSI Software Target 3.3 before installing this update will need to reinstall iSCSI Target from the Microsoft Download Center. In such cases, customers can restore their configuration settings as long as they first exported their settings prior to reinstallation. For instructions, see Migrating Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. |
File information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2933826 |
Registry key verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |
Security update file name | For all supported editions of Windows Server 2012: Windows8-RT-KB2933826-x64.msu |
For all supported editions of Windows Server 2012 R2: Windows8.1-KB2933826-x64.msu Windows8.1-KB2962073-x64.msu |
|
Installation switches | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 934307 |
Restart requirement | In some cases, this update does not require a restart. If the required files are being used, this update will require a restart. If this behavior occurs, a message appears that advises you to restart. To help reduce the chance that a restart will be required, stop all affected services and close all applications that may use the affected files prior to installing the security update. For more information about the reasons why you may be prompted to restart, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 887012. |
Removal information | To uninstall an update installed by WUSA, use the /Uninstall setup switch or click Control Panel, click System and Security, click Windows Update, and then under See also, click Installed updates and select from the list of updates. |
File information | See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2933826 See Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 2962073 |
Registry key verification | Note A registry key does not exist to validate the presence of this update. |