CVE-2024-28965 in Secure Connect Gateway-Application
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2024
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for an internal enable REST API (if enabled by Admin user from UI). A remote low privileged attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to the execution of certain Internal APIs applicable only for Admin Users on the application's backend database that could potentially allow an unauthorized user access to restricted resources and change of state.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28965 affects Dell SCG software versions prior to 5.24.00.00 and represents a critical improper access control flaw within the system's REST API implementation. This weakness specifically impacts the internal enable REST API functionality that can be activated through the user interface by administrative users. The vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks that fail to properly validate user privileges before executing sensitive backend operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to administrative functions.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-285, which categorizes improper access control vulnerabilities where systems fail to properly enforce authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability exists in the API layer where legitimate administrative endpoints are exposed without sufficient authentication and authorization validation. Attackers can potentially exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that target the internal REST API endpoints, bypassing normal access controls that should restrict these functions to authorized administrative users only.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations utilizing Dell SCG systems, as it allows remote low-privileged attackers to execute administrative functions against the backend database. The impact extends beyond simple data access to include state modification capabilities, meaning attackers could potentially alter system configurations, modify database records, or perform other administrative actions that could compromise system integrity and availability. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistence, T1566 Phishing for initial access, and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations may face unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and potential system compromise if this vulnerability is exploited. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality that should remain restricted to authorized personnel, creating opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper system access.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to Dell SCG version 5.24.00.00 or later, which addresses the access control implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to the affected REST API endpoints, disable unnecessary administrative API exposure, and conduct thorough access control reviews. Additional protective measures include monitoring API access logs for suspicious activities, implementing robust authentication mechanisms, and ensuring that administrative functions are only accessible through secure channels with proper authorization controls in place. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses throughout the system architecture.