CVE-2021-36299
📋 TL;DR
This SQL injection vulnerability in Dell iDRAC9 allows authenticated low-privilege users to execute arbitrary SQL commands. Attackers could potentially access sensitive information or cause denial of service. Organizations using affected iDRAC9 versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dell iDRAC9
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of iDRAC9 database leading to full system information disclosure, credential theft, and potential lateral movement to connected servers.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of iDRAC9 configuration data, user credentials, and system information, potentially enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to network segmentation, strong authentication controls, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access but low privilege users can exploit. SQL injection vulnerabilities are typically easy to weaponize once details are known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.40.29.00 or 5.00.00.00
Vendor Advisory: https://support.emc.com/kb/000191229
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest iDRAC9 firmware from Dell Support. 2. Log into iDRAC9 web interface. 3. Navigate to Maintenance > System Update. 4. Upload and install the firmware update. 5. Reboot the iDRAC9 system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to iDRAC9 management interfaces to trusted networks only.
Privilege Reduction
allReview and minimize user accounts with iDRAC9 access, especially low-privilege accounts.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit iDRAC9 access to essential personnel only.
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for SQL injection attempts and unusual database queries.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check iDRAC9 firmware version via web interface or SSH: racadm getversionCheck Version:
racadm getversionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version is 4.40.29.00 or higher, or 5.00.00.00 or higher.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL query patterns in iDRAC9 logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by SQL-like payloads
Network Indicators:
- SQL injection payloads in HTTP requests to iDRAC9 management interface
SIEM Query:
source="iDRAC9" AND (http_request CONTAINS "' OR '1'='1" OR http_request CONTAINS "UNION SELECT" OR http_request CONTAINS "SQL")