CVE-2019-18581 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Dell EMC Data Protection Advisor versions 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 18.2 versions prior to patch 83, and 19.1 versions prior to patch 71 are affected by a server missing authorization vulnerability in the REST API. This vulnerability poses a critical risk as it allows a remote authenticated malicious user with administrative privileges to potentially execute arbitrary OS commands on the system.

Understanding CVE-2019-18581

This CVE involves a missing authorization vulnerability in Dell EMC Data Protection Advisor, impacting various versions of the software.

What is CVE-2019-18581?

The vulnerability in CVE-2019-18581 is related to a server missing authorization issue in the REST API of Dell EMC Data Protection Advisor. It can be exploited by a remote authenticated malicious user with administrative privileges to manipulate the list of OS commands allowed by the application, leading to the execution of arbitrary OS commands.

The Impact of CVE-2019-18581

The impact of this vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS base score of 9.1. The potential consequences include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts on the affected systems. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized execution of OS commands, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-18581

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves a server missing authorization issue in the REST API of Dell EMC Data Protection Advisor, enabling unauthorized manipulation of OS commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Dell EMC Data Protection Advisor versions 6.3, 6.4, 6.5
18.2 versions prior to patch 83
19.1 versions prior to patch 71

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated malicious user with administrative privileges to modify the list of OS commands allowed by the application, potentially leading to arbitrary OS command execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-18581 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by Dell to address the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to the affected systems to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are updated with the latest patches released by Dell to mitigate the vulnerability.