CVE-2014-2955 in Raritan
Summary
by MITRE
Raritan PX before 1.5.11 on DPXR20A-16 devices allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary IPMI commands by using cipher suite 0 (aka cipher zero) and an arbitrary password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2955 affects Raritan PX firmware versions prior to 1.5.11 on DPXR20A-16 devices, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary IPMI commands. This vulnerability resides within the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) implementation of the affected Raritan devices, which are commonly used for remote power management and system monitoring in data centers and enterprise environments. The flaw specifically exploits the IPMI protocol's cipher suite 0 implementation, also known as cipher zero, which is designed to provide minimal security protection and is typically intended for use in legacy systems or specific controlled environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of IPMI cipher suite 0, where the system accepts arbitrary passwords without proper authentication validation. This weakness allows attackers to establish unauthorized IPMI sessions and execute privileged commands such as power control, sensor monitoring, and system configuration changes. The vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly validate authentication credentials when cipher suite 0 is utilized, effectively rendering the authentication mechanism ineffective. This issue aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication vulnerabilities, and demonstrates a classic case of weak credential validation in network protocols. The flaw enables attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device's management interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized control over connected hardware.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on Raritan PX devices for critical infrastructure management. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to power management systems, potentially causing service disruptions, unauthorized system modifications, or even physical damage to connected equipment. The ability to execute arbitrary IPMI commands means attackers can perform actions such as power cycling servers, accessing system configuration parameters, and monitoring hardware sensors without proper authorization. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of data center operations, as it allows for unauthorized modification of power states and system configurations that are critical for maintaining service continuity. The threat landscape for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to operate undetected within network management systems, potentially leading to extended periods of unauthorized access and data compromise.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to Raritan PX devices to version 1.5.11 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass flaw in cipher suite 0 implementation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit direct access to IPMI management interfaces, particularly when using cipher suite 0 or other weak authentication mechanisms. The implementation of strong authentication protocols and regular security assessments of management interfaces should be prioritized to prevent similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper IPMI security configuration and adherence to security best practices as outlined in NIST SP 800-125 and other cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unusual IPMI traffic patterns and unauthorized access attempts, as the vulnerability may be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated firmware to ensure that the security patch effectively resolves the authentication bypass without introducing compatibility issues with existing management systems.