CVE-2024-20449
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers with low privileges to execute arbitrary code as root on Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller devices. Attackers exploit improper path validation in SCP uploads using path traversal techniques. Organizations using affected NDFC versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the NDFC device with root privileges, allowing lateral movement to connected network infrastructure, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Attackers with low-privilege credentials gain root access to the NDFC container, enabling configuration changes, credential harvesting, and network reconnaissance.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the NDFC device itself without lateral movement to critical infrastructure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials but minimal technical skill; path traversal techniques are well-documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 12.2.1e and later
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ndfc-ptrce-BUSHLbp
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download NDFC version 12.2.1e or later from Cisco Software Center. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Deploy the updated software following Cisco NDFC upgrade procedures. 4. Verify successful upgrade and functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable SCP Service
allTemporarily disable SCP file transfer service to prevent exploitation while planning patching.
ndfc# configure terminal
ndfc(config)# no feature scp-server
Restrict Network Access
allLimit access to NDFC management interfaces to trusted administrative networks only.
Implement firewall rules to restrict TCP port 22/SCP access to authorized IP addresses only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate NDFC from critical infrastructure
- Enforce multi-factor authentication and review/remove unnecessary low-privilege accounts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NDFC version: ndfc# show version | include Version. If version is earlier than 12.2.1e, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
ndfc# show version | include VersionVerify Fix Applied:
After upgrade, verify version is 12.2.1e or later: ndfc# show version | include Version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SCP file uploads with path traversal patterns (../ sequences)
- Authentication from unexpected sources followed by SCP activity
- Container privilege escalation events
Network Indicators:
- SCP traffic to NDFC devices from non-administrative networks
- Multiple failed SCP attempts followed by successful upload
SIEM Query:
source="ndfc" AND (process="scp" OR command="scp") AND (path="*../*" OR filename="*../*")