CVE-2024-0167 in Unity
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2024
Dell Unity, versions prior to 5.4, contains an OS Command Injection Vulnerability in the svc_topstats utility. An authenticated attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the ability to overwrite arbitrary files on the file system with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0167 affects Dell Unity storage systems running versions prior to 5.4 and represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within the svc_topstats utility. This utility is designed to collect and monitor system statistics, but due to inadequate input validation and sanitization, it fails to properly handle user-supplied data. The flaw allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to inject malicious commands that execute with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of command-line arguments that are passed directly to system execution functions without adequate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the svc_topstats utility's failure to validate or sanitize inputs received from authenticated users. When legitimate users provide input parameters to this utility, the system processes these inputs directly without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious commands can be executed with root privileges. This command injection vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as it involves the execution of arbitrary commands through the manipulation of input data. The attack vector requires an authenticated user context, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials before attempting exploitation, but once successful, the impact extends to full system compromise with administrative privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0167 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to overwrite arbitrary files on the file system with root privileges. This level of access allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to modify critical system files, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the storage system, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized access to stored information, and disruption of business operations. Organizations utilizing Dell Unity systems in production environments face significant risk of data breaches and system downtime, particularly in scenarios where storage systems contain sensitive corporate or customer data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access and potentially escalate their privileges further within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-0167 should prioritize immediate deployment of Dell's official patches and updates for Unity systems, specifically targeting version 5.4 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the number of users with valid credentials, as the vulnerability requires authenticated access to exploit. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior in system utilities, particularly around the svc_topstats utility. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation attempts, while implementing proper input validation and sanitization practices throughout the system architecture. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1078 for valid accounts, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both authentication and command execution controls. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future, with particular attention to input validation in system utilities and service components.