CVE-2024-20448 Overview
CVE-2024-20448 is an information disclosure vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC), formerly known as Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM). The flaw allows an attacker with access to a backup file to extract sensitive information stored in cleartext. Affected backup artifacts include both config-only and full backup files generated by the platform.
Successful exploitation exposes NDFC-connected device credentials, the NDFC site manager private key, and the scheduled backup file encryption key. The vulnerability is tracked under [CWE-312] Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information and [CWE-313] Cleartext Storage in a File or on Disk.
Critical Impact
Attackers who obtain an NDFC backup file can recover device credentials and cryptographic keys, enabling lateral movement across the managed data center fabric.
Affected Products
- Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC)
- Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) — legacy product name
- NDFC config-only and full backup files generated by affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-02 - CVE-2024-20448 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-20448
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper storage of sensitive information inside NDFC backup files. When an administrator generates a config-only or full backup, the resulting archive embeds credentials and cryptographic material without adequate protection. An attacker who obtains the file can parse its contents and extract the secrets directly.
The exposed material includes credentials for devices managed by NDFC, the site manager private key used to authenticate fabric components, and the encryption key associated with scheduled backups. Recovery of the scheduled backup encryption key compounds the exposure by allowing decryption of additional archives that were assumed to be protected at rest.
This is an information disclosure flaw rather than a code execution issue. The CVSS scope is marked as changed because the compromised credentials and keys grant access to components beyond the NDFC instance itself, including the broader data center fabric.
Root Cause
The root cause is cleartext storage of secrets within backup artifacts. NDFC writes device credentials, the site manager private key, and the backup encryption key into the backup payload without applying transparent encryption or secret redaction. Anyone with read access to the file can recover the originals.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires that the attacker obtain a backup file. The CVSS vector lists the attack vector as Network because backups are commonly stored on remote repositories, transferred over the network, or staged on shared infrastructure. No authentication to NDFC and no user interaction are required once the file is in the attacker's possession.
A representative exploitation workflow involves the attacker accessing a backup repository, downloading the archive, extracting its contents, and parsing the embedded configuration sections to retrieve credentials and keys. With the recovered material, the attacker can authenticate to managed devices and impersonate fabric components. No public proof-of-concept code is currently available.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-20448
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected access to NDFC backup repositories, file shares, or object storage holding .tar.gz backup archives.
- Authentication events on Nexus switches or fabric devices using credentials that should only be used by NDFC automation.
- Use of the NDFC site manager private key from hosts other than the NDFC appliance itself.
- Unscheduled or anomalous download activity targeting NDFC backup file paths.
Detection Strategies
- Audit storage locations that hold NDFC backups and confirm access is restricted to authorized administrators.
- Correlate device authentication logs with expected NDFC source IP addresses to surface credential misuse.
- Inspect existing backup files for the presence of cleartext credentials and keys, treating any exposed material as compromised.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable file integrity monitoring on directories storing NDFC backups and alert on read access by non-administrative principals.
- Forward NDFC audit logs and managed-device authentication logs to a centralized analytics platform for cross-correlation.
- Track outbound transfers of large archive files from NDFC servers to detect exfiltration attempts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-20448
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed NDFC release identified in the Cisco Security Advisory.
- Rotate all device credentials managed by NDFC, the site manager private key, and the scheduled backup encryption key after patching.
- Delete or securely re-encrypt existing backup files generated by vulnerable versions, since they contain cleartext secrets.
- Restrict access to backup storage to a minimal set of administrative accounts and enable detailed access logging.
Patch Information
Cisco has released fixed software for Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller. Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-ndfc-cidv-XvyX2wLj for the specific fixed releases and upgrade guidance. No workarounds that fully address the vulnerability are provided by the vendor; upgrading is required.
Workarounds
- Store NDFC backup files only on systems with strict access control lists and full-disk encryption.
- Transfer backups exclusively over authenticated, encrypted channels and avoid placing them on shared file servers.
- Treat any previously generated backup as sensitive material and apply chain-of-custody handling until the appliance is upgraded and secrets are rotated.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
