CVE-2020-10148 in Orion Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2020
The SolarWinds Orion API is vulnerable to an authentication bypass that could allow a remote attacker to execute API commands. This vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication and execute API commands which may result in a compromise of the SolarWinds instance. SolarWinds Orion Platform versions 2019.4 HF 5, 2020.2 with no hotfix installed, and 2020.2 HF 1 are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The CVE-2020-10148 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the SolarWinds Orion API ecosystem that fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanisms that should protect access to the Orion Platform's Application Programming Interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote attackers to bypass legitimate authentication processes. The flaw exists in versions 2019.4 HF 5, 2020.2 without hotfix installation, and 2020.2 HF 1, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release streams of the SolarWinds platform. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern API access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in how the Orion API validates authentication tokens and session management protocols. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary API commands without proper authorization, effectively gaining administrative access to the SolarWinds instance. This authentication bypass enables remote code execution capabilities and allows malicious actors to manipulate the platform's configuration, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or network-level privileges to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such platforms typically serve as central management hubs.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-10148 extends far beyond simple API command execution, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to the SolarWinds Orion platform that serves as a critical monitoring and management tool for enterprise networks. This vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate network monitoring data, disable security alerts, modify system configurations, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network infrastructure. The compromise of SolarWinds Orion instances creates significant risk for organizations that rely on this platform for network visibility and security operations, as the attacker gains access to detailed network topology information and can potentially hide their activities from detection systems. The vulnerability's timing during the 2020 timeframe coincided with widespread cybersecurity incidents, making it particularly concerning for organizations already under threat.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant SolarWinds hotfixes and security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Orion API, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of affected systems. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 demonstrates how attackers can leverage legitimate credentials and access tools to maintain persistence, making additional monitoring and access control measures essential. Security teams should also implement network detection measures to identify unauthorized API access attempts and establish baseline behaviors for normal API usage to detect anomalous activity. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect critical infrastructure components from authentication bypass attacks.