CVE-2023-24567 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2023
Dell NetWorker versions 19.5 and earlier contain 'RabbitMQ' version disclosure vulnerability. A NetWorker server user with remote access to NetWorker clients may potentially exploit this vulnerability and may launch target-specific attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-24567 affects Dell NetWorker software versions 19.5 and earlier, specifically exposing information about the underlying RabbitMQ component through version disclosure. This type of information disclosure vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it provides attackers with detailed insights into the system's infrastructure components. The flaw allows a malicious actor who has already gained remote access to NetWorker clients to potentially escalate their attack by leveraging the disclosed RabbitMQ version information. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Disclosure, which encompasses any weakness that allows unauthorized parties to gain access to information that should remain confidential. The exposure of component versions creates a dangerous precedent for attackers who can use this information to identify known vulnerabilities specific to that RabbitMQ version and plan targeted exploitation strategies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the NetWorker server's improper handling of version information during client-server communications. When remote access is established, the system inadvertently reveals the RabbitMQ version through response headers, log files, or direct API calls that expose component metadata. This type of information leakage occurs because the system does not properly sanitize or filter version information before it is transmitted to remote clients. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it only requires a user with remote access to NetWorker clients to potentially leverage the disclosed information. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of remote access tools and techniques to gain unauthorized access to systems, and T1082 which involves system information discovery. The exposure of RabbitMQ version information provides attackers with a roadmap for subsequent attacks, as specific versions often have known exploits and vulnerabilities that can be weaponized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks that can target the specific RabbitMQ component. Attackers can use the disclosed version information to determine if the system is running vulnerable versions of RabbitMQ that may contain security flaws such as authentication bypasses, privilege escalation vulnerabilities, or remote code execution exploits. This information disclosure creates a reconnaissance opportunity that allows adversaries to tailor their attack vectors specifically to the exposed version, significantly increasing the probability of successful exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running vulnerable versions of RabbitMQ, as it provides a clear indicator of which systems to target and how to approach the attack. Organizations that have not updated their NetWorker installations may find themselves in a precarious position where this single vulnerability exposes their entire infrastructure to targeted attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of Dell NetWorker that addresses this vulnerability, typically version 20.0 or later. The update process should include thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and workflows. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to NetWorker clients and reduce the attack surface. Access controls should be strengthened to ensure that only authorized personnel can establish remote connections to client systems. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to gather version information from the system. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar information disclosure weaknesses in other components of their infrastructure. The mitigation strategy should align with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and follow the principle of least privilege to minimize potential impact. Regular patch management processes should be established to ensure that all components, including underlying messaging systems like RabbitMQ, are kept up to date with the latest security patches. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can help identify and block attempts to exploit version disclosure vulnerabilities.