CVE-2018-1216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security flaw has been found in the vApp Manager component, which is integrated into various Dell EMC products such as Unisphere for VMAX, Solutions Enabler, VASA Virtual Appliances, and VMAX Embedded Management (eManagement). This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the system through a hard-coded password.

Understanding CVE-2018-1216

This CVE identifies a hard-coded password vulnerability in Dell EMC products, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.

What is CVE-2018-1216?

The CVE-2018-1216 vulnerability involves a default account named "smc" with a fixed password in certain Dell EMC products. Attackers who exploit this flaw can gain unauthorized entry by understanding the message format and accessing vulnerable web servlets.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1216

The presence of a hard-coded password in affected Dell EMC products poses a significant security risk, allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication measures and gain unauthorized access to the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1216

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in versions prior to 8.4.0.18 of Dell EMC Unisphere for VMAX Virtual Appliance, versions prior to 8.4.0.21 of Dell EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance, versions prior to 8.4.0.514 of Dell EMC VASA Virtual Appliance, and versions prior to and including 1.4 of Dell EMC VMAX Embedded Management (eManagement).

Affected Systems and Versions

Dell EMC Unisphere for VMAX Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.18
Dell EMC Solutions Enabler Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.21
Dell EMC VASA Virtual Appliance versions prior to 8.4.0.514
Dell EMC VMAX Embedded Management (eManagement) versions prior to and including 1.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the hard-coded password and knowledge of the message format can exploit vulnerable web servlets to gain unauthorized entry.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-1216 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change the default account password immediately to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies and avoid using default credentials in production environments.
Regularly update and patch Dell EMC products to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system security.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest patches and updates provided by Dell EMC to eliminate the hard-coded password vulnerability and enhance system security.