Cisco Data Center Network Manager: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2024-20432 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in Cisco Data Center Network Manager from Cisco, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Cisco Data Center Network Manager versions: 12.1(1); 12.0.1a; 12.0.2d, 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 1.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller to 12.2.2 or a later version.
- 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 Data Center Network Manager | 12.1(1); 12.0.1a; 12.0.2d; 12.0.2f; 12.1.1; 12.1.1e; 12.1.1p; 12.1.2e; and 3 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | data_center_network_manager | 12.1(1); 12.0.1a; 12.0.2d; 12.0.2f; 12.1.1; 12.1.1e; 12.1.1p; 12.1.2e; and 3 more ranges | Not stated |
| Cisco | Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller | 12.0.0 up to, but not including, 12.2.2 | 12.2.2 |
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.9 | Critical | CNA (cisco.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability in the REST API and web UI of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, remote attacker to perform a command injection attack against an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper user authorization and insufficient validation of command arguments. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting crafted commands to an affected REST API endpoint or through the web UI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the CLI of a Cisco NDFC-managed device with network-admin privileges. Note: This vulnerability does not affect Cisco NDFC when it is configured for storage area network (SAN) controller deployment.
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
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Cisco Data Center Network Manager
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.2 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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