Infoblox NetMRI Remote Code Execution Scanner

Infoblox NetMRI is a network management solution widely used by enterprise organizations to automate and streamline networking tasks. Network administrators and IT professionals utilize this software to manage configurations, ensure network compliance, and monitor network performance. The software allows for extensive management of network devices and operational security across the infrastructure. Infoblox NetMRI provides comprehensive analytics and insights, making it an indispensable tool for complex network environments. Its powerful capabilities include device discovery, configuration management, and issue resolution, all of which are crucial for maintaining robust network operations. The vulnerability scanner operates within this environment to ensure that these functionalities are secure and uncompromised against known threats.

This scanner targets a specific vulnerability in Infoblox NetMRI, where remote code execution can be carried out due to a hardcoded Ruby on Rails session cookie secret key. This vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious session cookies that the application deserializes. It highlights potential flaws in how session cookies are handled, specifically those related to their serialization and deserialization processes. The vulnerability stems from an older underlying flaw in Ruby on Rails, indicating the importance of keeping third-party components updated. Admins using affected versions must be aware of the dangers posed, as successful exploitation could severely compromise system security. Understanding and mitigating such vulnerabilities are critical for maintaining a secure network management environment.

The technical specifics of this vulnerability involve the use of a hardcoded session key that allows the deserialization of crafted cookies. By exploiting this, an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the server where Infoblox NetMRI is hosted. The end point affected is typically associated with web UI interfaces and interacts with session information through cookies. Attackers need knowledge of this secret key to exploit the vulnerability effectively. With successful exploitation, unauthorized commands can be executed on the system, bypassing normal security measures. This might involve crafting specific HTTP requests that leverage the vulnerable endpoints to insert malicious payloads, leading to remote command execution.

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over the Infoblox NetMRI server. Such access might enable them to execute arbitrary commands, steal sensitive configuration data, or manipulate network settings, leading to overall network disruption. The severity of this vulnerability is marked by the potential for a complete system compromise, where attackers can gain privileges equivalent to those of an administrator. This could result in widespread network issues, including the interruption of managed services and network monitoring. Beyond the initial intrusion, attackers might use the compromised system as a foothold to perpetrate further attacks on the internal network, escalating the impact substantially.

REFERENCES

• https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/research/infoblox-multiple-cves/
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2013-0156