CVE-2024-48831: Dell SmartFabric OS10 Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2024-48831 Overview

CVE-2024-48831 is a hard-coded password vulnerability in Dell SmartFabric OS10, the network operating system that powers Dell's data center switching platforms. The flaw affects version 10.5.6.x and stems from credentials embedded directly in the software [CWE-259]. An unauthenticated attacker with local access to an affected switch can leverage the embedded password to obtain unauthorized access to the system.

Critical Impact
Local attackers can bypass authentication on Dell SmartFabric OS10 switches using hard-coded credentials, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of core network infrastructure.

Affected Products

Dell SmartFabric OS10 Software version 10.5.6.x
Dell Networking switches running the affected OS10 release
Data center fabrics managed by the affected OS10 versions

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-17 - CVE-2024-48831 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-48831

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is a hard-coded password weakness in Dell SmartFabric OS10. Hard-coded credentials are static secrets embedded in the binary or configuration of the product. Because the credentials are the same across every deployment of the affected build, any attacker who recovers them can reuse them against any device running that firmware.

Dell classifies the flaw under the Common Weakness Enumeration category [CWE-259]: Use of Hard-coded Password. Successful exploitation leads to unauthorized access, with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the switch operating system.

The attack requires local access to the device, not network reachability. Local access on network equipment can include serial console access, an established low-privilege shell, or lateral movement from a compromised management host. No user interaction and no prior authentication are required.

Root Cause

The root cause is the inclusion of a static, embedded password within the OS10 10.5.6.x code base. Static secrets shipped in firmware cannot be rotated by administrators and are recoverable through firmware analysis, filesystem inspection, or memory extraction. Once disclosed, the credentials provide a durable authentication bypass across the entire installed base of the affected version.

Attack Vector

An attacker with local access to an affected Dell switch authenticates using the hard-coded credentials to a service or shell that accepts them. Because no legitimate authentication challenge is enforced, the attacker gains an account whose privileges are governed by the embedded identity rather than the operator's identity and access management (IAM) policy. From that foothold, the attacker can alter switch configuration, intercept traffic traversing the fabric, or disrupt connectivity.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Dell Security Update DSA-2025-068 for authoritative technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48831

Indicators of Compromise

Successful local logins to OS10 switches from accounts not present in the organization's authorized user inventory.
Console or auxiliary port authentication events that do not correlate with a known change window or on-site technician.
Unexpected configuration changes, new user accounts, or modified access control lists on switches running OS10 10.5.6.x.

Detection Strategies

Inventory all Dell switches and flag those running OS10 10.5.6.x for prioritized review against DSA-2025-068.
Forward switch authentication and command accounting logs to a centralized SIEM and alert on logins outside of change control windows.
Baseline the running configuration of each switch and alert on drift, particularly changes to user accounts, AAA settings, and management interfaces.

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor physical and out-of-band console access using facility access logs and terminal server session recording.
Restrict and log management-plane access using bastion hosts, and alert on direct sessions to switch management IPs.
Correlate switch login events with endpoint telemetry from the management network to identify lateral movement toward network devices.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48831

Immediate Actions Required

Identify every Dell switch running SmartFabric OS10 10.5.6.x and treat it as vulnerable until upgraded.
Apply the fixed release referenced in DSA-2025-068 following the vendor's upgrade procedure.
Restrict physical and console access to affected switches until patching is complete.
Rotate credentials, keys, and certificates stored on or trusted by the affected devices after patching.

Patch Information

Dell has published fixed versions in the Dell Security Update DSA-2025-068. Administrators should follow the advisory to select the correct upgrade path for each hardware platform and validate the software image before deployment.

Workarounds

Enforce strict physical security controls on switches, including locked racks and controlled console cable access.
Place switch management interfaces on an isolated out-of-band network reachable only through hardened jump hosts.
Enable AAA command accounting and centralized logging so that any use of the embedded account produces an auditable record.

bash

# Configuration example: restrict and audit management access on Dell OS10
# Reference: Dell SmartFabric OS10 configuration guide

configure terminal
  ! Bind management to the dedicated out-of-band VRF
  interface mgmt1/1/1
    ip vrf forwarding management
    no shutdown

  ! Restrict SSH access to the management jump host subnet
  ip access-list MGMT-ACL
    seq 10 permit ip 10.10.0.0/24 any
    seq 20 deny ip any any log

  line vty
    access-class MGMT-ACL in

  ! Centralize authentication and command accounting
  aaa authentication login default group tacacs+ local
  aaa accounting commands all default start-stop group tacacs+

  ! Send audit events to a central collector
  logging server 10.10.0.20 severity informational
end
write memory