CVE-2013-3595 in PowerConnect 3348
Summary
by MITRE
The OpenManage web application 2.5 build 1.19 on Dell PowerConnect 3348 1.2.1.3, 3524p 2.0.0.48, and 5324 2.0.1.4 switches allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (device reset) via a direct request to an unspecified OSPF URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-3595 represents a critical security flaw within Dell PowerConnect network switches running specific versions of the OpenManage web application. This issue affects models including the PowerConnect 3348 with firmware version 1.2.1.3, 3524p with firmware 2.0.0.48, and 5324 with firmware 2.0.1.4. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the OpenManage web interface, specifically when processing requests to OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) related URLs. The flaw allows authenticated remote attackers to exploit a weakness in the application's handling of OSPF configuration parameters, leading to unauthorized device reset operations. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-20, which represents improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-122, which deals with buffer overflow conditions. The affected devices operate with a web-based management interface that provides access to various network configuration parameters including routing protocols such as OSPF. When a malicious user submits a crafted request to an unspecified OSPF URL within the OpenManage web application, the system fails to properly validate the input parameters, allowing the attacker to trigger a device reboot sequence. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables denial of service attacks that can disrupt network operations and potentially impact business continuity. The security implications extend beyond simple service disruption as network administrators may be forced to perform manual device resets, leading to operational downtime and potential data loss. The vulnerability exists due to a lack of proper authentication checks and input sanitization within the web application's routing protocol handling mechanisms. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a significant weakness in the device's security posture. The affected switches are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where network reliability and uptime are critical, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires only authenticated access, which may be obtained through various means including credential theft or social engineering attacks. Network administrators should be aware that this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack campaign targeting network infrastructure components. The device reset functionality that can be triggered through this vulnerability essentially provides an unauthorized method for attackers to disrupt network services, potentially causing cascading failures in network operations. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within network management applications. The flaw highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of web interfaces in network equipment, particularly those handling critical routing protocols. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Dell, network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces. This issue serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required for network infrastructure devices and the potential impact of seemingly minor flaws in management interfaces.