CVE-2015-7271
📋 TL;DR
Dell iDRAC 7/8 contains a format string vulnerability in the racadm getsystinfo command that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. This affects all systems running vulnerable versions of iDRAC firmware. Attackers can gain complete control of the remote management interface.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 7
- Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) 8
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of iDRAC with root privileges, allowing persistent access, credential theft, and potential lateral movement to connected servers.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to iDRAC compromise, management interface takeover, and potential server manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if iDRAC is isolated on management network with strict access controls and monitoring.
🎯 Exploit Status
Format string vulnerabilities are well-understood and easily exploitable. Public exploit code exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.21.21.21 or later
Vendor Advisory: http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/extras/m/white_papers/20441859
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest iDRAC firmware from Dell Support. 2. Upload firmware via iDRAC web interface. 3. Apply update. 4. Reboot iDRAC.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable racadm access
linuxRestrict access to racadm utility to prevent exploitation.
chmod 700 /usr/bin/racadm
setfacl -m u:root:rx /usr/bin/racadm
Network isolation
allIsolate iDRAC on dedicated management VLAN with strict firewall rules.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate iDRAC interfaces on separate management network with no internet access
- Implement strict network ACLs allowing only trusted administrative IPs to access iDRAC
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check iDRAC firmware version via web interface or racadm getversion command.Check Version:
racadm getversion -i | grep 'Firmware Version'Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 2.21.21.21 or higher using racadm getversion.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual racadm command executions
- Multiple failed authentication attempts to iDRAC
- Unexpected firmware modification logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic to iDRAC management ports (typically 443, 623)
- Traffic patterns suggesting exploitation attempts
SIEM Query:
source="iDRAC" AND (event="racadm" OR event="getsystinfo")