CVE-2019-19518
📋 TL;DR
CA Automic Sysload versions 5.6.0 through 6.1.2 have a critical vulnerability where the File Server port lacks authentication. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Organizations running these versions of CA Automic Sysload are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- CA Automic Sysload
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with remote code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive files, system manipulation, and potential privilege escalation leading to persistent access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent external access to the vulnerable port.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability requires no authentication and allows direct command execution, making exploitation straightforward for attackers with network access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.1.3 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/product-content/recommended-reading/security-notices/ca20191210-01-security-notice-for-ca-automic-sysload.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest version (6.1.3+) from Broadcom support portal. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Install the update following vendor documentation. 4. Restart the Sysload service to apply changes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Control
allRestrict access to the File Server port using firewall rules to only trusted IP addresses.
# Example iptables rule: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [FILE_SERVER_PORT] -s [TRUSTED_IP] -j ACCEPT
# Example Windows Firewall: New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName 'Sysload File Server' -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort [FILE_SERVER_PORT] -RemoteAddress [TRUSTED_IP] -Action Allow
Port Change with Authentication
allChange the default File Server port and implement additional authentication layers if supported.
# Modify Sysload configuration file to change port and enable authentication if available
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Sysload servers from untrusted networks.
- Deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts on the File Server port.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Sysload version via the admin interface or configuration files. If version is between 5.6.0 and 6.1.2, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
# Check version in Sysload admin console or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version is 6.1.3 or later and test that authentication is required for File Server port access.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to File Server port
- Unexpected command execution logs from Sysload processes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic to the File Server port from untrusted sources
- Command and control traffic originating from Sysload servers
SIEM Query:
source='sysload.log' AND (event='authentication_failed' OR event='unauthorized_access') OR dest_port=[FILE_SERVER_PORT] AND src_ip NOT IN [TRUSTED_NETWORKS]