CVE-2024-38486 Overview
CVE-2024-38486 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Dell SmartFabric OS10, the network operating system that powers Dell's data center switches. The flaw exists in versions 10.5.5.4 through 10.5.5.10 and the 10.5.6.x branch. A remote, authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject operating system commands through improperly neutralized special elements [CWE-77]. Successful exploitation grants command execution on the underlying switch, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network fabric.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can execute arbitrary commands on affected Dell SmartFabric OS10 switches over the network, potentially pivoting to control of the data center fabric.
Affected Products
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 versions 10.5.5.4 through 10.5.5.10
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 version 10.5.6.x
- Dell networking switches running the vulnerable OS10 releases
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-06 - CVE-2024-38486 published to NVD alongside Dell advisory DSA-2024-376
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-38486
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command. Dell SmartFabric OS10 fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to a command interpreter. Special shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, and backticks are not filtered or escaped, allowing an attacker to append additional commands to a legitimate management operation.
Because the attack vector is network-based and requires only low privileges, any operator-level or restricted account with access to the switch management interface becomes a viable exploitation path. Command execution occurs in the context of the process handling the affected command, which on OS10 typically runs with elevated privileges on the switch NOS.
The Dell advisory DSA-2024-376 confirms remote command execution is the outcome.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input validation on parameters passed to a shell or system command within OS10's management plane. When user input flows into a command string without allowlist filtering or safe API calls such as execve() with argument arrays, attackers can break out of the intended command context and execute arbitrary operating system commands.
Attack Vector
The attacker must first authenticate to the switch with a low-privileged account, for example via SSH or the CLI. Once authenticated, the attacker invokes the vulnerable command and appends shell metacharacters followed by attacker-controlled payloads. The injected commands execute on the switch host operating system, enabling credential theft, configuration tampering, lateral movement across the fabric, or persistence on the network device.
No verified public proof-of-concept is available at the time of writing. See the Dell advisory for technical remediation details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-38486
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected shell processes or child processes spawned from OS10 management daemons on the switch
- CLI audit log entries containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, or backticks in command parameters
- Outbound network connections from switch management interfaces to unfamiliar external hosts
- Unauthorized modifications to switch configuration files or startup scripts
Detection Strategies
- Enable and centralize OS10 command accounting and audit logs, then alert on any command containing shell metacharacters in argument fields
- Baseline normal administrator command patterns and flag deviations, particularly commands issued by low-privileged accounts
- Monitor authentication logs for low-privileged accounts that suddenly execute privileged or unusual operations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OS10 syslog and AAA accounting data to a SIEM for correlation with identity and network telemetry
- Alert on new or unexpected outbound connections originating from switch management VRFs
- Track configuration diffs on OS10 devices using tools such as show running-configuration snapshots at scheduled intervals
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-38486
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dell SmartFabric OS10 to a fixed release as specified in DSA-2024-376
- Inventory all switches running OS10 versions 10.5.5.4 through 10.5.5.10 and any 10.5.6.x build
- Restrict management-plane access to trusted administrative networks using ACLs on the management VRF
- Rotate credentials for any low-privileged OS10 accounts that could be leveraged for exploitation
Patch Information
Dell has released fixed OS10 builds. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2024-376 for the specific remediated versions and upgrade instructions. Apply the update during a maintenance window with a rollback plan, since OS10 upgrades reload the switch.
Workarounds
- Remove or disable low-privileged user accounts that are not strictly required for daily operations
- Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication on any external AAA server integrated with OS10
- Restrict CLI access to a hardened jump host reachable only from an administrative bastion network
- Segment the switch management network from user and workload VLANs to limit reachability by potential attackers
# Configuration example: restrict OS10 management access to a trusted subnet
configure terminal
ip access-list MGMT-ACL
seq 10 permit tcp 10.10.0.0/24 any eq 22
seq 20 deny ip any any log
exit
interface mgmt 1/1/1
ip access-group MGMT-ACL in
exit
end
write memory
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
