CVE-2024-20295
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local attackers with read-only or higher privileges on Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) devices to execute arbitrary commands via the CLI, leading to privilege escalation to root. It affects Cisco IMC systems due to insufficient input validation. Attackers must have local access to exploit it.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC)
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full root control over the device, potentially compromising the entire management infrastructure and launching further attacks.
Likely Case
Privileged insiders or compromised accounts exploit it to elevate privileges, leading to unauthorized access and data theft.
If Mitigated
With strict access controls and monitoring, exploitation is limited, but risk remains if patching is delayed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation is straightforward for attackers with valid credentials, but no public proof-of-concept is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Cisco Security Advisory for patched versions; update to the latest recommended firmware.
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-cimc-cmd-inj-mUx4c5AJ
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Access the Cisco IMC web interface or CLI. 2. Check current firmware version. 3. Download and apply the patch from Cisco's support site. 4. Reboot the device as required after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict CLI Access
allLimit CLI access to trusted users only and enforce least privilege principles.
Configure access control lists (ACLs) and user roles in Cisco IMC settings.
Input Validation Enhancement
allImplement additional input sanitization for CLI commands if custom scripts are used.
Review and harden any custom CLI scripts to validate user inputs.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks and monitor for suspicious CLI activity.
- Enforce strong authentication and audit logs for all CLI sessions to detect exploitation attempts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Cisco IMC firmware version against the advisory; if it matches affected versions, the device is vulnerable.Check Version:
In Cisco IMC CLI, use 'show version' or check via web interface under System > Firmware.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify the firmware version is updated to a patched release as specified in the advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual CLI command executions, privilege escalation attempts, or root access logs in system logs.
Network Indicators:
- Anomalous network traffic from IMC devices post-exploitation, such as unexpected outbound connections.
SIEM Query:
Search for events like 'command injection' or 'privilege escalation' in Cisco IMC logs, e.g., 'source="Cisco IMC" AND event_type="cli_command"'.