CVE-2020-7137 in Superdome Flex Server
Summary
by MITRE
A validation issue in HPE Superdome Flex's RMC component may allow local elevation of privilege. Apply HPE Superdome Flex Server version 3.25.46 or later to resolve this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7137 resides within the Remote Management Component (RMC) of HPE Superdome Flex server systems, representing a critical validation flaw that enables local attackers to escalate their privileges. This issue specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the RMC subsystem, which serves as the primary interface for remote system management and monitoring. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege checks within the component's code execution flow, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized local users to gain elevated system privileges. The affected RMC component operates with elevated permissions by design to facilitate system administration tasks, but the validation flaw creates a pathway for privilege escalation that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the RMC component's validation logic when processing certain administrative commands or configuration changes. When local users execute specific sequences of operations through the RMC interface, the system fails to properly verify the authenticity and authorization level of the requesting entity. This validation failure occurs at multiple points within the command processing pipeline, particularly when handling privilege-related operations or system configuration modifications. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate input parameters or command sequences that should normally require administrator-level privileges, thereby enabling unauthorized elevation to root or administrative access levels. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" and specifically relates to CWE-264, "Permissions, Privileges and Access Controls," demonstrating how inadequate validation can undermine fundamental security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7137 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent security risk within enterprise data centers that rely on HPE Superdome Flex systems for critical workloads. Local attackers with basic user accounts can exploit this vulnerability to gain root-level access, potentially compromising entire server environments and the sensitive data they contain. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in high-security environments where the Superdome Flex serves as a primary computing platform for mission-critical applications, financial systems, or government infrastructure. Once escalated, attackers can modify system configurations, install malicious software, access encrypted data, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The impact is amplified by the fact that RMC components are typically designed to be highly available and always-running, meaning the vulnerability remains exploitable for extended periods without proper patching.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate deployment of HPE Superdome Flex Server version 3.25.46 or later, as this release contains the necessary security patches to address the validation issue. The patch implements enhanced input validation mechanisms and strengthened privilege checking procedures within the RMC component to prevent unauthorized escalation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, including logging and alerting on unusual RMC access patterns or privilege-related system calls. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and demonstrates how weaknesses in system management interfaces can create attack vectors that bypass traditional network-based security controls. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Superdome Flex environments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and verify that the patch has been successfully applied across all affected systems.