CVE-2024-20432: Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller RCE

CVE-2024-20432 Overview

A vulnerability in the REST API and web UI of Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC) could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, remote attacker to perform a command injection attack against an affected device.

Critical Impact

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by submitting crafted commands, potentially executing arbitrary commands with network-admin privileges.

Affected Products

• Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-10-02 - CVE-2024-20432 published to NVD
• 2024-10-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-20432

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller arises from improper user authorization and insufficient validation of command arguments, which may result in command injection via crafted REST API requests or web UI inputs.

Root Cause

Failure to properly validate and sanitize command inputs within the REST API and web UI components.

Attack Vector

The attacker leverages network access to submit crafted commands that exploit the vulnerability via the REST API endpoint or the web UI.

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
curl -X POST \
     -d @malicious_payload.json \
     -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
     https://cisco-ndfc.example/api/v1/inject

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-20432

Indicators of Compromise

• Anomalous command execution logs
• Suspicious REST API call patterns
• Unexpected entries in process execution history

Detection Strategies

Utilize advanced log monitoring and analysis tools to identify abnormal API call patterns and unauthorized command executions. SentinelOne's Singularity platform can detect and thwart unauthorized attempts with its behavioral AI models.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable comprehensive logging and alerting for all REST API and web UI operations. Ensure integration with a SIEM to analyze for potential indicators of compromise.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-20432

Immediate Actions Required

• Restrict network access to the affected REST API endpoints.
• Implement strict user access controls and audit trails.
• Educate users on security best practices.

Patch Information

Cisco has released an advisory and patches addressing this vulnerability. Immediate application of these updates is recommended.

Workarounds

Disable unnecessary REST API endpoints and configure network-based access restrictions to limit exposure.

# Network access control example
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s <trusted_ip> -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP