CVE-2024-39577 Overview
CVE-2024-39577 is a command injection vulnerability in Dell SmartFabric OS10, the network operating system used across Dell PowerSwitch data center switches. The flaw affects OS10 versions 10.5.6.x, 10.5.5.x, 10.5.4.x, and 10.5.3.x. A low-privileged attacker with remote network access can inject operating system commands into an affected component, leading to arbitrary code execution on the switch. The weakness is categorized under CWE-77: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command. Dell tracks the issue under advisory DSA-2024-274.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation yields code execution on the switch operating system, exposing data center fabrics to lateral movement, traffic interception, and configuration tampering.
Affected Products
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 10.5.6.x
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 10.5.5.x
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 10.5.4.x and 10.5.3.x
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-09-26 - CVE-2024-39577 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-39577
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2024-39577 is a command injection flaw in Dell SmartFabric OS10. An authenticated attacker with low privileges submits crafted input to a management interface. The affected component passes that input into an operating system command without properly neutralizing shell metacharacters. The injected commands execute in the context of the underlying service, which typically runs with elevated privileges on the switch.
SmartFabric OS10 provides Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, automation, and telemetry for Dell PowerSwitch platforms. Compromise of a switch running OS10 gives an attacker a position inside the data center fabric. From that position, an attacker can modify ACLs, mirror traffic, or pivot into adjacent management networks.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in a command [CWE-77]. User-controlled input reaches a command construction path where shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &, and backticks are not stripped or safely quoted. The command interpreter then treats attacker-supplied fragments as additional instructions rather than data.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network reachability to the OS10 management plane and valid low-privileged credentials. The attacker submits crafted parameters to a vulnerable command handler and observes the injected payload executing on the device. No user interaction is required. See the Dell Security Advisory DSA-2024-274 for technical scope details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-39577
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by OS10 management daemons, particularly shells such as sh or bash invoked from CLI or API handlers.
- Configuration changes, new local accounts, or ACL modifications on OS10 switches outside change-control windows.
- Outbound connections from switch management interfaces to unknown external hosts.
Detection Strategies
- Audit OS10 system logs and AAA accounting records for command sequences containing shell metacharacters (;, |, `, $() in parameter values.
- Compare the running OS10 version against fixed releases listed in DSA-2024-274 and flag any switch still on 10.5.3.x through 10.5.6.x.
- Correlate authentication events for low-privileged OS10 accounts with subsequent privileged command execution or configuration writes.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OS10 syslog, AAA, and audit logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation.
- Alert on management-plane logins from source addresses outside approved administrative subnets or jump hosts.
- Baseline normal switch process trees and alert on anomalous process execution from management services.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-39577
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed SmartFabric OS10 release referenced in Dell DSA-2024-274 to all affected switches.
- Restrict management-plane access to dedicated out-of-band networks and a limited set of jump hosts.
- Rotate credentials for any OS10 accounts, especially low-privileged and service accounts, after patching.
Patch Information
Dell has published fixed versions of SmartFabric OS10 in advisory DSA-2024-274. Administrators should upgrade every switch running 10.5.3.x, 10.5.4.x, 10.5.5.x, or 10.5.6.x to the remediated build listed in the advisory. Verify the running version with show version after the upgrade completes.
Workarounds
- Enforce role-based access control so no accounts with network reachability hold unnecessary CLI or API privileges.
- Place OS10 management interfaces behind ACLs that permit only administrative source addresses.
- Enable AAA logging and TACACS+ or RADIUS accounting to attribute every management action to a named user.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
