CVE-2024-20441
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated low-privileged attackers to access sensitive configuration information through a specific REST API endpoint in Cisco NDFC. Attackers can download configuration or full backup files containing sensitive data. Only systems with the vulnerable REST API endpoint are affected, not the web management interface.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers obtain full system backups containing all configuration data, credentials, network topology, and sensitive operational information, leading to complete network compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers download configuration files containing sensitive network configuration, device credentials, and operational parameters that could facilitate further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and API access controls, attackers cannot reach the vulnerable endpoint, preventing information disclosure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access but only low privileges; exploitation involves sending crafted API requests to the vulnerable endpoint
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Cisco advisory for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ndhs-uaapi-Jh4V6zpN
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for fixed versions. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Download and install the patched version from Cisco. 4. Restart the NDFC appliance. 5. Verify the patch is applied successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict API Access
allImplement network access controls to restrict access to the vulnerable REST API endpoint
Configure firewall rules to block external access to the NDFC API endpoint
Implement network segmentation to isolate NDFC management network
Enhance Authentication Controls
allImplement multi-factor authentication and stricter access controls for API users
Enable MFA for all NDFC user accounts
Review and tighten API user permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate NDFC from untrusted networks
- Monitor API access logs for suspicious download attempts of configuration/backup files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NDFC version against affected versions listed in Cisco advisory; verify if the vulnerable API endpoint is accessibleCheck Version:
Check NDFC web interface or CLI for version information; refer to Cisco documentation for specific commandsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify NDFC version is updated to patched version; test API endpoint access with low-privileged account to confirm unauthorized access is blocked📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual API requests to backup/download endpoints
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful API access
- Configuration file download activities from low-privileged accounts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to NDFC API endpoints
- Large data transfers from NDFC to unauthorized IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source="ndfc" AND (event_type="api_request" AND endpoint="*backup*" OR endpoint="*config*") AND user_privilege="low"