CVE-2023-37404 in Observability with Instana
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
IBM Observability with Instana 1.0.243 through 1.0.254 could allow an attacker on the network to execute arbitrary code on the host after a successful DNS poisoning attack. IBM X-Force ID: 259789.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37404 affects IBM Observability with Instana versions 1.0.243 through 1.0.254, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through network-based attacks. This vulnerability specifically leverages DNS poisoning techniques to compromise system integrity and potentially escalate privileges to full system control. The attack vector requires an attacker to successfully poison DNS records within the network environment, which then allows the malicious actor to redirect traffic and execute arbitrary code on the affected host systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of DNS responses within the Instana monitoring platform's network resolution mechanisms. When DNS poisoning occurs, the system fails to properly authenticate or verify the legitimacy of DNS responses, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious content into the network infrastructure. This flaw operates at the network layer and demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation in software systems. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the DNS resolution process and subsequently gain unauthorized code execution capabilities on the target host.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on IBM Observability with Instana for infrastructure monitoring and management. The attack requires only network-level access and successful DNS poisoning, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored. The potential impact includes complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and the ability to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. Organizations with distributed systems or those utilizing Instana for critical infrastructure monitoring face elevated risk levels, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise multiple systems through a single successful DNS poisoning attack.
The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework methodology for network infiltration and privilege escalation. Specifically, the technique aligns with T1102 for DNS tunneling and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to leverage network-based reconnaissance and establish a foothold within the monitored infrastructure. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, DNS security measures, and monitoring for anomalous DNS queries as part of their defensive strategies. The remediation approach requires updating to patched versions of IBM Observability with Instana, implementing DNS security protocols such as DNSSEC, and establishing robust network monitoring to detect and prevent DNS poisoning attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their network security configurations to minimize the attack surface and ensure proper validation of all network communications.