CVE-2024-48831 in SmartFabric OS10 Software
Summary
by MITRE • 03/17/2025
Dell SmartFabric OS10 Software, version(s) 10.5.6.x, contain(s) a Use of Hard-coded Password vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The Dell SmartFabric OS10 Software version 10.5.6.x contains a critical security flaw classified as a use of hard-coded password vulnerability that poses significant risks to network infrastructure security. This vulnerability resides within the software's authentication mechanisms where hardcoded credentials are embedded within the codebase, creating a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw represents a fundamental design weakness that violates established security principles and best practices for credential management in network operating systems. According to CWE-259, this vulnerability directly maps to the weakness of using hardcoded passwords, which is categorized as a serious security risk that can compromise entire network segments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker who has gained local access to the affected system to leverage the hardcoded credentials for unauthorized access to the network infrastructure. This local access requirement significantly reduces the attack surface complexity but still maintains a severe impact level since local access is often achievable through various attack vectors including physical access, social engineering, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The attacker can utilize these hardcoded credentials to gain administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete network compromise and unauthorized control over critical network operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, network disruption, and compromise of network integrity. Network administrators may experience unauthorized modifications to routing tables, configuration changes, or even complete network outages if attackers exploit this vulnerability. The presence of hardcoded credentials also means that the vulnerability persists across software updates and system reboots, making it particularly dangerous as it cannot be easily remediated through standard patching procedures. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement and persistence within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including immediate credential rotation for all affected systems, implementation of comprehensive network segmentation, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software version and implement network access controls to limit local access privileges. The remediation process must include replacing hardcoded credentials with dynamically generated authentication mechanisms and implementing proper credential management practices. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential exploitation of this specific vulnerability, as it represents a persistent threat that requires ongoing monitoring and verification of system integrity.