CVE-2020-8573 in HCI H610S Baseboard Management Controller
Summary
by MITRE
The NetApp HCI H610S Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) is shipped with a documented default account and password that should be changed during the initial node setup. During upgrades to Element 11.8 and 12.0 the H610S BMC account password is reset to the default documented value which allows remote attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8573 affects the NetApp HCI H610S Baseboard Management Controller which represents a critical component in enterprise storage infrastructure. This BMC serves as a remote management interface that provides out-of-band access to server hardware for monitoring and administrative functions. The security flaw stems from the improper handling of default credentials during software upgrade processes, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically impacts Element software versions 11.8 and 12.0 where the BMC account password is automatically reset to its documented default value during upgrade procedures, effectively reverting the system to a known vulnerable state.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the BMC's credential management system failing to properly secure authentication mechanisms during upgrade operations. When the Element software undergoes updates to versions 11.8 or 12.0, the system's upgrade process includes a reset operation that restores the default BMC password, bypassing any custom security configurations that may have been implemented during initial deployment. This default credential exposure creates an attack surface where remote adversaries can leverage the documented password to establish unauthorized access to the BMC interface. The DoS condition occurs when attackers exploit this access to disrupt normal system operations through various malicious activities such as resetting system configurations, terminating critical services, or overwhelming system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8573 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications for enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing NetApp HCI systems face potential unauthorized access to critical infrastructure management functions, which could lead to data compromise, system manipulation, or extended service outages. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where security hardening procedures have not been properly implemented or where automated upgrade processes are deployed without adequate credential management protocols. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the systems, making it particularly dangerous in network-connected environments. This weakness directly relates to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for gaining access through exploitation of remote services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8573 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for NetApp HCI deployments. The primary recommendation involves implementing manual credential management procedures during upgrade operations, ensuring that BMC passwords are changed to strong, unique values before and after software updates. Organizations should establish automated processes to verify credential integrity following upgrade procedures and implement monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts to BMC interfaces. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to isolate BMC management interfaces from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing privileged access management solutions to control and monitor access to BMC systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential lifecycle management and the necessity of thorough testing of upgrade procedures to prevent unintended credential resets, with remediation efforts focused on ensuring that default credentials are never left active in production environments.