Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed): Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2024-20365 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) from Cisco, 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 Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) versions: 4.1(2a); 4.1(2b); 4.1(3a), and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.89% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on sec.cloudapps.cisco.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco | Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed) | 4.1(2a); 4.1(2b); 4.1(3a); 4.1(3b); 4.1(2c); 4.1(4a); 4.1(3c); 4.1(3d); and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | unified_computing_system_manager_firmware | 4.1(2a); 4.1(2b); 4.1(3a); 4.1(3b); 4.1(2c); 4.1(4a); 4.1(3c); 4.1(3d); and 32 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Unified Computing System | 4.1\(2a\); 4.1\(2b\); 4.1\(2c\); 4.1\(3a\); 4.1\(3b\); 4.1\(3c\); 4.1\(3d\); 4.1\(3e\); and 32 more ranges | 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 NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.5 | Medium | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in the Redfish API of Cisco UCS B-Series, Cisco UCS Managed C-Series, and Cisco UCS X-Series Servers could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with administrative privileges to perform command injection attacks on an affected system and elevate privileges to root. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker with administrative privileges could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted commands through the Redfish API on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to elevate privileges to root.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
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
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Unified Computing System (Managed)
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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