Dell Credential Vulnerability Puts VMware Environments at Risk

Dell Compellent Vulnerability Exposes Risks to Enterprise VMware Environments

The Security Risk

A high-impact vulnerability has been discovered in the Dell Compellent storage array service that could potentially allow attackers to gain control of enterprise VMware environments. While Dell Compellent reached its end of life in 2019 and holds a small market share in the data storage industry, organizations that continue to use Dell storage integrated with VMware environments must be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability.

The CVE-2023-39250 Vulnerability

At DEF CON 31, Tom Pohl, the penetration testing team manager at LMG Security, showcased how an attacker within an enterprise network can exploit a private key associated with VMware‘s centralized management utility through Dell Compellent. This exploit enables attackers to achieve complete takeover of a VMware environment. The concerning aspect is that the same private key is used by every Dell customer, meaning a compromise in one organization could lead to compromises in others.

Hardcoded Private Keys

In order to integrate Dell storage with VMware vCenter, which is used for managing VMware environments, administrator credentials are required. However, the Dell software stores these credentials in its configuration files. Once inside the device, Pohl discovered a username and password stored within the Dell Compellent software. Upon further analysis, he decompiled a Java class and found an AES static key stored in the source code. Using reverse engineering techniques, he was able to obtain the clear text password. With these credentials, Pohl logged into vCenter and gained complete control over the entire environment.

Delayed Patch and End of Life Status

Despite the responsible disclosure window passing the 90-day mark, Dell has not yet issued a patch for the CVE-2023-39250 vulnerability. LMG Security expects the patch to be released sometime in the fall. The delay may be attributed to the complexity of designing a sufficient fix and the end of life status of the Compellent product. Dell‘s documentation states that the end of life status does not oblige Dell to provide continued support or maintenance for the software.

Security Implications and Recommendations

The Significance of Private Key Vulnerabilities

The discovery of this vulnerability highlights the potential consequences of private key vulnerabilities in software. A single compromised private key can lead to complete network compromise, potentially affecting multiple organizations using the same key. It underscores the critical importance of securely managing private keys and highlights the need for vigilance in all aspects of digital security.

The Need for Timely Patching

The delayed patch release for the CVE-2023-39250 vulnerability raises concerns about the approach companies take when addressing security vulnerabilities. Timely patching is crucial in preventing exploitation by malicious actors. It is essential for organizations to closely monitor security updates from vendors and promptly apply patches to safeguard their systems and data.

Hardening Network Infrastructure

While waiting for the patch to be released, organizations that still rely on Dell Compellent storage integrated with VMware environments should focus on hardening their network infrastructure. Implementing strong access controls and segmentation is key to mitigating potential risks. By restricting access and isolating critical infrastructure components, organizations can effectively limit the impact of a compromised system.

The Importance of End-of-Life Support

The risk posed by vulnerabilities in end-of-life products highlights the need for companies to carefully consider their support and maintenance policies. Even though a product has reached its end of life, customers may still rely on it, and vendors should remain committed to providing necessary support and maintenance for security-related issues.

Conclusion

The discovery of hardcoded credentials in the Dell Compellent storage array service poses significant security risks for organizations running integrated VMware environments. The shared private key vulnerability highlights the potential for a widespread compromise across multiple organizations. While Dell works on a patch, organizations must take proactive security measures, including strong access controls and segmentation, to protect their environments. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of timely patching, secure key management, and careful consideration of end-of-life support policies in ensuring the overall security posture of organizations.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The New York Times.