CVE-2018-2568 in Integrated Lights Out Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: Remote Console Application). Supported versions that are affected are 3.x and 4.x. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via TLS to compromise Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM). Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) accessible data and unauthorized ability to cause a partial denial of service (partial DOS) of Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM). CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2568 resides within the Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite, specifically affecting the Remote Console Application subcomponent. This flaw impacts versions 3.x and 4.x of the ILOM software, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of server management interfaces. The vulnerability operates at the network level and can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who possess network access through TLS protocols, making it particularly dangerous in environments where management interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks. The attack vector represents a significant concern for enterprise infrastructure security as it allows remote compromise of critical server management systems without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms within the ILOM Remote Console Application. The flaw enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations including data modification, deletion, and insertion within the affected system's accessible data stores. Additionally, the vulnerability permits unauthorized read access to sensitive information within the ILOM management interface, potentially exposing system configurations, user credentials, and operational data. The partial denial of service aspect of this vulnerability allows attackers to disrupt the availability of management services, though not completely incapacitating the system. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 7.3 reflects the moderate to high severity impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with the attack complexity being low and requiring no privileges or user interaction.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise IT infrastructure security, particularly affecting server management capabilities and overall system integrity. Organizations utilizing affected ILOM versions face potential unauthorized access to critical system management functions, enabling attackers to modify system configurations, access sensitive operational data, and disrupt management services. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to unauthorized system modifications that may compromise the entire server infrastructure, especially when combined with other attack vectors. Security teams must consider the potential for lateral movement within networks where management interfaces are accessible, as compromised ILOM systems can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The partial denial of service component can disrupt critical system management operations, potentially preventing legitimate administrators from accessing or managing their systems during security incidents.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the latest Oracle security patches and updates to resolve the vulnerability in affected ILOM versions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit access to ILOM management interfaces, particularly ensuring that these management systems are not directly exposed to untrusted networks. The implementation of network access controls using firewalls and access control lists can help restrict access to ILOM services to authorized management networks only. Regular monitoring and auditing of management interface access logs should be established to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability and ensure proper containment and remediation protocols are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and represents a significant concern for ATT&CK technique T1077 (Windows Admin Shares) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it enables unauthorized access to system management interfaces without proper authentication.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation risks to encompass long-term security posture concerns for enterprise infrastructure. Organizations must recognize that compromised ILOM systems can provide attackers with persistent access to critical server management functions, potentially enabling extended periods of unauthorized access and system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust network security controls for management interfaces. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include evaluation of management system components to identify similar authentication and access control weaknesses. The incident highlights the necessity of zero-trust network architectures where even trusted management interfaces require strict access controls and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access and maintain system integrity.