CVE-2019-5490 in Service Processor
Summary
by MITRE
Certain versions between 2.x to 5.x (refer to advisory) of the NetApp Service Processor firmware were shipped with a default account enabled that could allow unauthorized arbitrary command execution. Any platform listed in the advisory Impact section may be affected and should be upgraded to a fixed version of Service Processor firmware IMMEDIATELY.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5490 represents a critical security flaw in NetApp Service Processor firmware versions ranging from 2.x through 5.x. This issue stems from the improper configuration of default accounts within the firmware implementation, creating a persistent backdoor that adversaries could exploit to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects platforms listed in the advisory's impact section, making it a widespread concern across various NetApp infrastructure deployments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the default account configuration within the Service Processor firmware, which operates as a separate management interface for NetApp storage systems. This default account typically contains hardcoded credentials that remain enabled even after initial system setup, providing unauthorized access to the underlying system commands. The flaw aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a classic example of insecure default configurations that persist across multiple firmware versions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the service processor and execute arbitrary commands, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5490 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables full command execution capabilities that can compromise entire storage infrastructures. This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the affected systems. The service processor typically operates with elevated privileges and provides access to system-level commands, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability from an operational security standpoint. Organizations using affected NetApp systems face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential denial of service attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5490 require immediate action to upgrade affected systems to patched firmware versions as specified in the advisory. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected service processors and implement mandatory firmware updates across their infrastructure. The recommended approach includes disabling default accounts, changing default passwords, and implementing strict access controls for service processor interfaces. Security teams should also monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to service processor communications and establish continuous vulnerability assessment programs to identify similar configuration flaws. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper firmware management and the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date security patches across all system components. The incident also highlights ATT&CK technique T1078 for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, emphasizing the multi-layered attack vectors available to adversaries exploiting this flaw.