Cisco Security Advisory
Cisco HyperFlex Software Unauthenticated Root Access Vulnerability
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CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
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A vulnerability in the hxterm service of Cisco HyperFlex Software could allow an unauthenticated, local attacker to gain root access to all nodes in the cluster.
The vulnerability is due to insufficient authentication controls. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to the hxterm service as a non-privileged, local user. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root access to all member nodes of the HyperFlex cluster.
Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are workarounds that address this vulnerability.
This advisory is available at the following link:
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190220-chn-root-access
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Vulnerable Products
This vulnerability affects Cisco HyperFlex Software Releases prior to 3.5(2a).
Determining the HyperFlex Software Release
To determine the installed release of Cisco HyperFlex Software, administrators can use either the CLI or the GUI.
Using the CLI, administrators can issue the stcli about command. The following example shows the output of the command for a device that is running Cisco HyperFlex Software Release 3.0(1d):
root@hxcluster:~# stcli about serviceType: stMgr instanceUuid: c4f0441c-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx name: HyperFlex StorageController locale: English (United States) serialNumber: WZP#####OCD,WZP#####OG9,WZP######## apiVersion: 0.1 modelNumber: HX240C-M5L build: 3.0.1d-29754 (internal) displayVersion: 3.0(1d) fullName: HyperFlex StorageController 3.0.1d productVersion: 3.0.1d-29754
Using the GUI, administrators can click the About link at the bottom left of the page after logging in to HX Connect.
Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
Only products listed in the Vulnerable Products section of this advisory are known to be affected by this vulnerability.
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A workaround for this vulnerability is available for customers who cannot upgrade to a fixed release. To coordinate implementation of the workaround, contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
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Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/end-user-license-agreement.htmlAdditionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories and Alerts page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.
In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
Customers Without Service Contracts
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/web/tsd-cisco-worldwide-contacts.htmlCustomers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
Fixed Releases
This vulnerability is fixed in Cisco HyperFlex Release 3.5(2a).
Customers can download software updates from the Software Center on Cisco.com by doing the following:
- Click Browse all.
- Choose Hyperconverged Infrastructure > HyperFlex HX Data Platform.
- Access releases by using the left pane of the HyperFlex HX Data Platform page.
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The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
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This vulnerability was found during internal security testing.
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To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
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Show LessVersion Description Section Status Date 1.1 Updated workaround availability. Workarounds Final 2019-April-04 1.0 Initial public release. - Final 2019-February-20
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