Cisco UCS Director and Cisco UCS Director Express for Big Data API Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Vulnerability

An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of Cisco UCS Director and Cisco UCS Director Express for Big Data [1]. The flaw is due to improper authentication request handling [1]. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this by sending crafted HTTP requests to the affected device [1]. This allows the attacker to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary actions through certain APIs [1]. The vulnerability affects all versions of Cisco UCS Director and Cisco UCS Director Express for Big Data prior to the fixed releases specified in the Cisco Security Advisory [1].

Exploitation

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs network access to the affected device [1]. No authentication is required [1]. The attacker sends specially crafted HTTP requests to the web-based management interface [1]. The improper authentication handling then allows the attacker to bypass the authentication mechanism and reach privileged API endpoints [1].

Impact

A successful exploit allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary actions with administrator-level privileges on the affected Cisco UCS Director or UCS Director Express for Big Data system [1]. This grants the attacker full control over the device, potentially leading to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system and its managed infrastructure [1].

Mitigation

Cisco has released free software updates to address this vulnerability [1]. Customers should upgrade to a fixed software version as indicated in the Cisco Security Advisory [1]. There are no workarounds available [1]. Customers can obtain the fixed software from the Cisco website or by contacting Cisco TAC [1].