CVE-2025-46428 Overview
CVE-2025-46428 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Dell SmartFabric OS10 software versions prior to 10.6.1.0. The flaw results from improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands [CWE-77]. A remote attacker with low privileges can inject arbitrary commands through the affected interface, leading to code execution on the underlying switch operating system. Dell SmartFabric OS10 powers data center and campus networking equipment, making exploitation impactful for network infrastructure integrity.
Critical Impact
A low-privileged remote attacker can execute arbitrary commands on Dell SmartFabric OS10 switches, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network infrastructure.
Affected Products
- Dell SmartFabric OS10 versions prior to 10.6.1.0
- Dell Networking switches running vulnerable OS10 firmware
- Network fabrics managed through affected OS10 instances
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-12 - CVE-2025-46428 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-46428
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in a Dell SmartFabric OS10 component that constructs operating system commands using untrusted input without sufficient sanitization. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can supply specially crafted input containing shell metacharacters. The OS10 command processor then interprets these characters as command separators, redirections, or substitutions rather than literal data.
Successful exploitation allows the attacker to execute arbitrary commands in the context of the affected service. Because OS10 manages switch control-plane operations, code execution can enable lateral movement across the network fabric and persistent control of switching infrastructure.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, classified under [CWE-77]. The affected code path concatenates user-controllable values into a command string passed to a shell or system call. Without strict input validation or use of parameterized execution APIs, characters such as ;, |, &, and backticks alter the intended command semantics.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires only low privileges with no user interaction. An attacker authenticates to the OS10 management plane and submits crafted parameters to the vulnerable interface. The injected payload executes with the privileges of the OS10 service handling the request. See the Dell Security Update DSA-2025-407 for vendor-confirmed exploitability details.
No public proof-of-concept code is available at the time of publication. Exploitation has not been confirmed in the wild, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-46428
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected shell processes spawned by OS10 management daemons on affected switches
- Command-line arguments to OS10 services containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, or backticks
- Unauthorized configuration changes or new local accounts on switches running OS10 versions below 10.6.1.0
- Outbound connections from switch management interfaces to unfamiliar external hosts
Detection Strategies
- Audit OS10 authentication logs for low-privileged accounts issuing administrative API or CLI calls outside normal patterns
- Monitor syslog output from OS10 devices for unusual command execution events and process spawning
- Compare running configurations against known-good baselines to detect injected commands persisted to startup configuration
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward OS10 syslog and AAA accounting records to a centralized SIEM for correlation across the fabric
- Alert on any command execution by service accounts that do not normally invoke shell utilities
- Track firmware versions across the network inventory and flag devices running OS10 below 10.6.1.0
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-46428
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dell SmartFabric OS10 to version 10.6.1.0 or later on all affected switches
- Restrict management plane access to trusted administrative networks using access control lists
- Rotate credentials for any low-privileged accounts that could reach the vulnerable interface
- Review recent configuration changes and command history on OS10 devices for signs of abuse
Patch Information
Dell has released fixed firmware in SmartFabric OS10 version 10.6.1.0. Patch details and download instructions are available in the Dell Security Update DSA-2025-407 advisory. Apply the update during a planned maintenance window and validate fabric health after upgrade.
Workarounds
- Limit OS10 management access to a dedicated out-of-band network segment
- Enforce least-privilege role assignments and remove unused low-privileged accounts
- Require multi-factor authentication for administrative access to the switch management plane
- Disable any remote management interfaces that are not required for operations
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
