CVE-2024-36047 in NIOS
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2025
Infoblox NIOS through 8.6.4 and 9.x through 9.0.3 has Improper Input Validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-36047 affects Infoblox Network Identity Operating System NIOS versions through 8.6.4 and 9.x versions through 9.0.3, representing a critical weakness in input validation mechanisms. This flaw resides within the core processing logic of the NIOS platform, which is widely deployed for DNS, DHCP, and IP address management services across enterprise networks. The improper input validation issue creates a potential attack surface where malicious actors could exploit malformed data inputs to disrupt normal operations or potentially gain unauthorized access to network infrastructure components. The vulnerability impacts the fundamental data handling capabilities of the system, particularly when processing user-supplied or external data streams that should undergo strict validation before being accepted into the system's operational workflows.
This technical flaw manifests as insufficient sanitization and validation of input parameters that flow through the NIOS system architecture. Attackers could potentially craft specially formatted inputs that bypass existing validation checks, leading to unexpected system behavior or execution of unintended operations. The vulnerability's nature aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a common weakness in software systems where input data is not adequately checked for validity, length, format, or other expected characteristics. The affected versions demonstrate a failure in implementing robust input sanitization routines that should normally be part of secure coding practices and defensive programming principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized operations within the network infrastructure managed by NIOS. Organizations relying on Infoblox for critical network services face significant risks including potential denial of service conditions that could disrupt DNS resolution, DHCP services, or IP address management functions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that NIOS systems often serve as central points for network identity management, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to compromise core infrastructure services. This vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate network configurations, potentially redirecting traffic or creating unauthorized access points within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-36047 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions that contain corrected input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous input patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Infoblox deployments to identify any potential unauthorized modifications or configuration changes that might have occurred. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated systems to ensure that the input validation fixes do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network services. Additionally, organizations should review and enhance their input validation processes across related systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in other components of their network infrastructure, following best practices established in industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 security controls.