CVE-2018-15380 in HyperFlex Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the cluster service manager of Cisco HyperFlex Software could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to execute commands as the root user. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to the cluster service manager and injecting commands into the bound process. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to run commands on the affected host as the root user. This vulnerability affects Cisco HyperFlex Software releases prior to 3.5(2a).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15380 resides within the cluster service manager component of Cisco HyperFlex Software, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of enterprise hyperconverged infrastructure deployments. This weakness specifically targets the software's handling of input validation processes, creating a pathway for unauthorized command execution that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that it allows unauthenticated attackers who are physically adjacent to the affected systems to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands with root-level privileges, effectively compromising the entire host system. The affected software versions prior to 3.5(2a) demonstrate a fundamental failure in implementing proper input sanitization and validation protocols, leaving organizations exposed to sophisticated attacks that could potentially lead to complete system compromise and data breaches.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the insufficient input validation mechanisms within the cluster service manager, which fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data streams before processing them within the system's execution context. An attacker positioned in an adjacent network segment can establish a connection to the cluster service manager and inject malicious commands directly into the bound process, exploiting a design flaw that allows arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication credentials. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes "Improper Input Validation" as a common weakness that occurs when software does not properly validate or sanitize input data, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that gets executed as part of normal system operations. The attack vector specifically targets the service manager's process handling capabilities, where command injection occurs during normal operational procedures, making detection particularly challenging and allowing for persistent system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of Cisco HyperFlex environments and creates opportunities for widespread system exploitation. Organizations utilizing affected software versions face potential data loss, system corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information, as the root-level execution capability enables attackers to manipulate system configurations, install backdoors, or exfiltrate data without detection. The adjacent network access requirement does not significantly limit the threat surface, as physical proximity to network infrastructure is often achievable through social engineering, insider threats, or compromised network access points. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly in areas related to protecting system components and maintaining the integrity of network services. The implications for enterprise security are substantial, as compromised HyperFlex clusters could serve as launching points for broader network attacks, potentially affecting multiple systems within the organization's infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15380 must prioritize immediate software updates to versions 3.5(2a) or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should implement network segmentation measures to limit adjacent access to critical infrastructure components, utilizing firewalls and access control lists to restrict communication with the cluster service manager to authorized personnel only. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous command injection patterns and unusual root-level activity can provide early warning capabilities for potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems within their HyperFlex deployments and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address this type of privilege escalation attack. Additionally, organizations should review their physical security measures and access controls to prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining adjacent network access, as the vulnerability's exploitation requires only physical proximity rather than sophisticated cyber capabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated software versions to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing infrastructure while maintaining the security enhancements necessary to prevent future exploitation attempts.