CVE-2018-15768 in OpenManage Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Dell OpenManage Network Manager versions prior to 6.5.0 enabled read/write access to the file system for MySQL users due to insecure default configuration setting for the embedded MySQL database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15768 affects Dell OpenManage Network Manager versions before 6.5.0, representing a critical security flaw in the embedded MySQL database configuration. This issue stems from insecure default settings that grant excessive privileges to MySQL users, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system access. The flaw exists within the default configuration of the embedded database component, which is a common practice in network management solutions to provide database functionality without requiring external database installations. The vulnerability specifically targets the MySQL user permissions and access controls that are configured out-of-the-box, making it particularly dangerous as it affects systems that are deployed with default settings without proper security hardening.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedded MySQL database being configured with overly permissive user accounts that possess read and write capabilities to the file system. This configuration allows malicious actors or compromised users with access to the MySQL service to execute file system operations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or unauthorized modifications to critical network management components. The flaw represents a classic case of privilege escalation through insecure default configurations, where the default database setup does not follow security best practices for user permissions and access controls. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise network management environments where such tools often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive network infrastructure data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-15768 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate network configuration data, extract sensitive information from the management system, or even compromise the entire network management infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain persistence within the network by modifying configuration files or injecting malicious code into the management system. The embedded nature of the MySQL database within the OpenManage Network Manager means that exploitation could potentially affect the integrity of network management operations, leading to denial of service or unauthorized network modifications. Organizations using affected versions face significant risk of data breaches and network compromise, particularly in environments where network management systems contain sensitive operational data.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-255 Credential Management Issues and CWE-732 Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, as it involves both improper credential handling and incorrect permission assignment for file system resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1005 Data from Local System, representing how attackers can use legitimate accounts with excessive privileges to access system resources. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching to version 6.5.0 or later, which includes proper database configuration hardening. Organizations should also implement comprehensive access control reviews, disable unnecessary database accounts, and ensure that default configurations are reviewed and hardened before deployment. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized database access patterns, and network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the management system. Additionally, regular security assessments of embedded database configurations should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other software components.