CVE-2018-15767 in Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Dell OpenManage Network Manager virtual appliance versions prior to 6.5.3 contain an improper authorization vulnerability caused by a misconfiguration in the /etc/sudoers file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15767 affects Dell OpenManage Network Manager virtual appliances running versions prior to 6.5.3, representing a critical improper authorization flaw that stems from insecure configuration practices within the system's privilege management framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the /etc/sudoers file configuration, which serves as the cornerstone of Unix-like system access control mechanisms and determines which users or processes can execute commands with elevated privileges. The misconfiguration in this critical file allows unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication, fundamentally undermining the security model of the appliance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how the sudoers file is configured to grant privilege escalation capabilities. When a user attempts to execute commands requiring administrative privileges, the system consults the /etc/sudoers file to determine authorization status. In affected versions, this file contains insecure rules that permit certain users or groups to execute specific commands with root privileges without proper authentication mechanisms. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation that bypasses normal access controls, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the highest level of system permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checks within privileged execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the entire network management infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain complete control over the appliance, allowing them to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the network management environment. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where network management appliances serve as critical infrastructure components for monitoring and controlling network operations. The vulnerability affects not only the appliance's internal security posture but also potentially impacts the broader network infrastructure it manages, as network managers often have visibility into and control over multiple network segments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Dell OpenManage Network Manager version 6.5.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the sudoers file configuration. Additionally, security administrators should conduct thorough audits of the /etc/sudoers file configuration to ensure that no unauthorized privilege escalation rules exist, and implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious sudo usage patterns. The remediation process should include verification that only authorized users and processes have the necessary privileges, aligning with the principle of least privilege as recommended by security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls around the appliance to limit potential attack vectors, while ensuring that any manual configuration changes to the sudoers file are properly reviewed and tested to prevent introducing additional security weaknesses.