CVE-2020-28251
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in NETSCOUT AirMagnet Enterprise allows attackers to escalate privileges on sensors to gain administrative access, which can then be used to obtain root access to the underlying operating system. The attack requires password cracking but is described as straightforward. Organizations using AirMagnet Enterprise 11.1.4 build 37257 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- NETSCOUT AirMagnet Enterprise
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of AirMagnet sensors leading to root access on operating systems, enabling full control of monitoring infrastructure, data exfiltration, and lateral movement to other systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized administrative access to sensors allowing manipulation of network monitoring data, disruption of security monitoring capabilities, and potential credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, strong password policies, and regular credential rotation preventing successful password cracking.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires password cracking which is described as straightforward. Attackers need initial access to sensor management interface.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Later than 11.1.4 build 37257
Vendor Advisory: https://www.netscout.com/securityadvisories
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current AirMagnet Enterprise version. 2. Contact NETSCOUT support for patched version. 3. Apply update following vendor documentation. 4. Restart affected services/systems.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Implement Strong Password Policy
allEnforce complex passwords with regular rotation to make password cracking more difficult
Network Segmentation
allIsolate AirMagnet sensors from general network access and restrict management interfaces
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach sensor management interfaces
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring of authentication attempts and privilege escalation activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AirMagnet Enterprise version in administration console. If version is 11.1.4 build 37257 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via AirMagnet Enterprise administration console or contact NETSCOUT supportVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is later than 11.1.4 build 37257 and test privilege escalation attempts fail.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful admin login
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Commands executed with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to/from AirMagnet sensors
- Authentication attempts from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source="airmagnet" AND (event_type="authentication_failure" OR event_type="privilege_escalation")