CVE-2013-4783 in iDRAC6
Summary
by MITRE
The Dell iDRAC6 with firmware 1.x before 1.92 and 2.x and 3.x before 3.42, and iDRAC7 with firmware before 1.23.23, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary IPMI commands by using cipher suite 0 (aka cipher zero) and an arbitrary password. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this issue, stating "DRAC s are intended to be on a separate management network; they are not designed nor intended to be placed on or connected to the Internet."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-4783 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller implementations across multiple firmware versions. This issue affects iDRAC6 devices running firmware versions 1.x before 1.92 and 2.x, as well as 3.x before 3.42, alongside iDRAC7 devices with firmware prior to 1.23.23. The vulnerability specifically exploits the use of cipher suite 0, also known as cipher zero, which enables unauthorized remote attackers to circumvent authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary IPMI commands without proper credentials. This weakness fundamentally undermines the security architecture of these remote management interfaces, which are designed to provide out-of-band management capabilities for server infrastructure. The flaw exists within the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) protocol implementation, creating a pathway for attackers to gain administrative control over affected systems from remote locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of cipher suite 0 in the authentication process. When cipher suite 0 is used, the system fails to properly validate credentials, allowing any password to be accepted for authentication purposes. This creates a scenario where attackers can establish connections to the iDRAC interface and execute commands with full administrative privileges, effectively bypassing all authentication controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level and does not require prior access to the target system, making it an attractive target for remote attackers. This flaw aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in network services, and represents a classic example of how weak cryptographic implementations can compromise entire security frameworks. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as attackers can manipulate system configurations, extract sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access points within network environments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise infrastructure security, particularly for organizations that may have improperly configured network segmentation or failed to implement proper network isolation for management interfaces. The fact that vendors like Dell dispute the severity of this issue does not diminish its practical impact in real-world deployments where management interfaces may be exposed to untrusted networks or where network segmentation policies are not properly enforced. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks where affected systems reside. The implications are particularly severe in environments where iDRAC interfaces are connected to production networks or where insufficient network controls exist to prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper network architecture design and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls for remote management systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate iDRAC interfaces from production networks, disabling unused management protocols, and applying available firmware updates to affected devices. The implementation of network access controls using firewalls and access control lists can help limit exposure to unauthorized networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected iDRAC devices and ensure proper configuration of authentication mechanisms. Regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity related to iDRAC interfaces should be implemented as part of broader security operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, particularly focusing on network segmentation and credential hygiene. Organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication for management interfaces, although this may not fully address the cipher suite 0 vulnerability. Long-term security improvements should include regular firmware updates, proper network architecture reviews, and comprehensive security awareness training for system administrators responsible for managing remote access interfaces.