CVE-2021-36308 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-36308, a vulnerability found in Dell's Networking OS that could allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access.

Understanding CVE-2021-36308

CVE-2021-36308 is a vulnerability identified in Dell's Networking OS, affecting versions prior to October 2021 with Smart Fabric Services enabled. This vulnerability enables a remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication measures, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.

What is CVE-2021-36308?

Networking OS10, versions earlier than October 2021 with Smart Fabric Services enabled, contain an authentication bypass vulnerability. Exploitation of this flaw could grant unauthorized access and allow malicious activities on the vulnerable system.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36308

With a CVSS base score of 5.9 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a significant threat. An attacker can exploit this flaw remotely without requiring any user interaction, potentially resulting in high impact on system availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36308

Below are the technical details related to CVE-2021-36308:

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-36308 is categorized under CWE-288, denoting an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel. This vulnerability exists in the Networking OS10 software and can be exploited by remote attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Dell's Networking OS versions, specifically those released before October 2021 with Smart Fabric Services enabled.

Exploitation Mechanism

An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to bypass authentication measures and gain unauthorized access to the impacted systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-36308, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable Smart Fabric Services if they are not essential for system operation.
Monitor network traffic for any unusual or malicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Networking OS software to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Dell to address the authentication bypass vulnerability in Networking OS. Keep the system updated with the latest security fixes to prevent exploitation.