CVE-2004-2600 in Server Platform SR870bh2
Summary
by MITRE
The firmware for Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) 1.5-based Intel Server Boards and Platforms is shipped with an Authentication Type Enables parameter set to an invalid None parameter, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information when LAN management functionality is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2600 represents a critical security flaw in IPMI 1.5-based firmware implementations across Intel server platforms. This issue stems from the improper configuration of authentication parameters within the Intelligent Platform Management Interface specification, which is a standardized protocol designed to provide out-of-band management capabilities for server hardware. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication mechanism that governs access to LAN management functionality, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the fundamental security posture of affected server platforms.
The technical flaw manifests in the firmware's default configuration where the Authentication Type Enables parameter is set to an invalid None parameter instead of proper authentication mechanisms. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized remote attackers to bypass authentication requirements and gain access to sensitive management information when the LAN interface is enabled. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because IPMI interfaces are designed to provide administrators with critical system monitoring and management capabilities, yet this flaw effectively removes the authentication barrier that should protect these interfaces from unauthorized access. The issue falls under CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and authentication failures in system security mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to management interfaces that typically contain sensitive system data including hardware configuration details, system logs, performance metrics, and potentially credentials used for system administration. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring physical access to the server, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where servers may be accessible from untrusted networks. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which involves application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, as attackers can leverage the management interface for further exploitation activities.
The security implications of CVE-2004-2600 are significant for organizations relying on IPMI-based management systems, as it essentially renders the management interface completely insecure when LAN functionality is enabled. This vulnerability affects a wide range of Intel server platforms that implement IPMI 1.5, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors seeking to compromise server infrastructure. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to system monitoring data, potential privilege escalation opportunities, and increased risk of further system compromise through the management interface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper firmware configuration and the need for regular security assessments of management interfaces. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Intel, proper network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, and implementation of additional access controls beyond the default IPMI configuration. The vulnerability also underscores the broader security principle that default configurations should never be considered secure and that management interfaces require careful security hardening to prevent unauthorized access to critical system information.