CVE-2024-20491
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights allows attackers who obtain tech support files to view remote controller admin credentials in clear text. Organizations using affected Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights versions are at risk if tech support files are exposed.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights
📦 What is this software?
Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller by Cisco
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain administrative access to remote controllers, potentially compromising entire network infrastructure and sensitive data.
Likely Case
Attackers obtain credentials for lateral movement within the network, leading to further system compromise.
If Mitigated
Limited to credential exposure without actual system access if proper access controls prevent tech support file retrieval.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires access to tech support files; no authentication bypass needed once files are obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Cisco advisory for specific fixed versions
Vendor Advisory: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ndhs-idv-Bk8VqEDc
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review Cisco advisory for affected versions. 2. Upgrade to fixed version. 3. Restart affected services. 4. Verify credentials are no longer logged in tech support files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Secure Tech Support File Handling
allImplement strict access controls and encryption for tech support files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to tech support files using strict file permissions and access controls
- Implement monitoring for unauthorized access to tech support files and review sharing practices
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights version against advisory; examine tech support files for credential exposureCheck Version:
Check device CLI or web interface for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, generate tech support file and verify no credentials appear in clear text📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to tech support files
- Failed authentication attempts using exposed credentials
Network Indicators:
- Unusual remote controller access patterns
SIEM Query:
Search for file access events to tech support files from unauthorized users