CVE-2019-1938 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-1938, a critical vulnerability in Cisco UCS Director and UCS Director Express for Big Data, allowing remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain admin privileges. Find mitigation steps and patching details here.
Cisco UCS Director and Cisco UCS Director Express for Big Data API Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2019-1938
This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco UCS Director and Cisco UCS Director Express for Big Data, potentially allowing remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrator privileges.
What is CVE-2019-1938?
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of authentication requests in the affected systems, enabling attackers to exploit the web-based management interface.
The Impact of CVE-2019-1938
- Attackers could bypass authentication remotely and obtain administrator privileges on affected systems.
- Unauthorized access to specific APIs could lead to the execution of unrestricted actions.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-1938
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary actions with administrator privileges by sending crafted HTTP requests to affected devices.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco Unified Computing System Director
- Vendor: Cisco
- Versions Affected: Less than 6.7.3.0 (unspecified/custom version)
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Privileges Required: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- User Interaction: None
- CVSS Base Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-1938 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor-provided patches and updates promptly.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Implement strong network segmentation to limit the attack surface.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing regularly.
- Educate users and administrators about phishing and social engineering threats.
Patching and Updates
- Cisco has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest security fixes.