CVE-2024-21984 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in NetApp StorageGRID, a software-defined object storage solution widely used for managing large-scale unstructured data. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 11.8 of StorageGRID. The flaw is classified under CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability is described as difficult to exploit because it requires the attacker to have specific knowledge about the target StorageGRID instance and to successfully trick a privileged user into clicking a specially crafted malicious link. If exploited, the attacker could execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the privileged user’s session. This could lead to unauthorized viewing or modification of configuration settings, as well as the addition or modification of user accounts, potentially escalating privileges or compromising the integrity of the storage environment. The attack vector is limited to social engineering combined with reflected XSS, meaning the attacker cannot persistently inject code but relies on the victim’s interaction. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or updates have been linked yet, although the vulnerability was reserved and disclosed early in 2024. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability indirectly by enabling unauthorized configuration changes and user management manipulations through the compromised privileged session.

For European organizations, especially those in sectors relying heavily on data integrity and availability such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. StorageGRID is often deployed in environments requiring robust data management and compliance with strict data protection regulations like GDPR. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data and user accounts, potentially resulting in data breaches or disruption of storage services. The ability to modify user accounts could allow attackers to create backdoors or escalate privileges, increasing the risk of prolonged undetected access. Given the reliance on privileged users to be tricked, insider threat vectors or targeted spear-phishing campaigns could be effective attack methods. The impact on data integrity and availability could disrupt business operations, cause regulatory non-compliance, and damage organizational reputation. Additionally, the complexity of the exploit reduces the likelihood of widespread automated attacks but increases the risk of targeted attacks against high-value European organizations using StorageGRID.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on user awareness and training for privileged users to recognize and avoid phishing and social engineering attempts involving suspicious links. 2. Implement strict web filtering and email security controls to detect and block malicious URLs targeting StorageGRID interfaces. 3. Restrict access to the StorageGRID management interface to trusted networks and VPNs, minimizing exposure to external attackers. 4. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged accounts to reduce the risk of account compromise even if a user is tricked. 5. Monitor logs and user activities for unusual configuration changes or account modifications indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Network segmentation should be used to isolate StorageGRID management interfaces from general user networks. 7. Stay updated with NetApp advisories and apply patches or updates as soon as they become available, even though no patch links are currently provided. 8. Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting StorageGRID web interfaces. 9. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web interface vulnerabilities to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.