CVE-2024-42422 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE • 12/03/2024
Dell NetWorker, version(s) 19.10, contain(s) an Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42422 affects Dell NetWorker version 19.10 and represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that stems from user-controlled key manipulation. This vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanisms of the NetWorker software, which is widely used for data protection and backup management in enterprise environments. The flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to potentially exploit the system by manipulating authentication keys, thereby circumventing the intended access controls that should prevent unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization framework where user-controllable elements can be manipulated to gain elevated privileges or bypass authentication entirely.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of authentication keys within the NetWorker service architecture. When an attacker can influence or control key elements used for authorization validation, they can manipulate the system's trust model to gain access to protected resources. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when the software fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied inputs that are intended to control access permissions. The flaw operates at the intersection of authentication and authorization processes, where the system's reliance on potentially manipulable key values creates an exploitable gap in security controls. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses authorization bypass issues, and may also relate to CWE-287, concerning improper authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on Dell NetWorker for backup and recovery operations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive backup data, system configurations, or other protected information that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where backup servers are often accessible from multiple locations. Organizations using Dell NetWorker 19.10 may face significant risks including data breaches, compliance violations, and potential system compromise that could affect entire backup infrastructures.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Dell, reviewing and restricting network access to NetWorker services, and implementing additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's classification as an authorization bypass through user-controlled key indicates that traditional network segmentation may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious authentication patterns or key manipulation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078, which covers valid accounts and T1566, related to credential harvesting, making it a significant concern for organizations following standard security compliance frameworks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched version to ensure that legitimate access controls remain functional while the vulnerability is addressed.