CVE-2021-21576 in iDRAC9
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2021
Dell EMC iDRAC9 versions prior to 4.40.40.00 contain a DOM-based cross-site scripting vulnerability. A remote attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to run malicious HTML or JavaScript in a victim’s browser by tricking a victim in to following a specially crafted link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21576 affects Dell EMC iDRAC9 management interfaces running versions prior to 4.40.40.00, representing a critical DOM-based cross-site scripting flaw that enables remote code execution through browser manipulation. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the iDRAC9 controller, which serves as a critical component for remote server administration and monitoring. The flaw specifically manifests in how the interface processes user-supplied input within the Document Object Model, creating an attack vector where malicious JavaScript code can be injected and executed in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the iDRAC9 web interface components. When a user visits a maliciously crafted URL containing specially formatted parameters, the vulnerable code fails to properly escape or validate the input before incorporating it into the DOM structure. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes within the victim's browser context, leveraging the existing session and privileges associated with the authenticated user. The attack requires no authentication to the iDRAC9 interface itself, as the malicious payload is delivered through a crafted URL that, when clicked, triggers the execution of malicious code in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise the entire management infrastructure. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to server management interfaces, steal session tokens, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where iDRAC9 interfaces are used for critical server management, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of server administration capabilities and potential lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting through web interfaces.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the patched firmware version 4.40.40.00 or higher, which addresses the input validation issues within the iDRAC9 web interface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit direct exposure of iDRAC9 interfaces to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious URL patterns or unusual traffic to these management interfaces. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting DOM-based XSS vulnerabilities, and conducting regular security assessments of management interfaces to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include educating administrators about the dangers of clicking untrusted links and implementing strict access controls for iDRAC9 interfaces, as the vulnerability's exploitation relies heavily on social engineering techniques to deliver the malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.