x11ssm-f: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2023-40289 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in x11ssm-f from Supermicro, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected x11ssm-f versions: 1.66. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 18.4% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 2.72% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Check which version of x11ssm-f you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on supermicro.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supermicro | x11ssm-f | 1.66 | Not stated |
| Supermicro | x11sae-f | 1.66 | Not stated |
| Supermicro | x11sse-f | 1.66 | Not stated |
| Supermicro | X11ssm-f Firmware | 1.66 | Not stated |
| Supermicro | X11sae-f Firmware | 1.66 | Not stated |
| Supermicro | X11sse-f Firmware | 1.66 | Not 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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
A command injection issue was discovered on Supermicro X11SSM-F, X11SAE-F, and X11SSE-F 1.66 devices. An attacker can exploit this to elevate privileges from a user with BMC administrative privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 8.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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