Dell Storage Manager: Improper Authentication
CVE-2025-43995 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Dell Storage Manager from Dell, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2020 R1.21 as the first without the flaw, so updating Dell Storage Manager to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.84% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 58% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Dell Storage Manager to 2020 R1.21 or a later version.
- Update Storage Manager to 2020 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on dell.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell | Dell Storage Manager | before 2020 R1.21 | 2020 R1.21 |
| Dell | Storage Manager | before 2020; 2020 | 2020 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- 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:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (emc.com).
Official description
Dell Storage Center - Dell Storage Manager, version(s) 20.1.21, contain(s) an Improper Authentication vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Protection mechanism bypass. Authentication Bypass in DSM Data Collector. An unauthenticated remote attacker can access APIs exposed by ApiProxy.war in DataCollectorEar.ear by using a special SessionKey and UserId. These userid are special users created in compellentservicesapi for special purposes.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Dell Storage Manager
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
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