CVE-2000-0345 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The on-line help system options in Cisco routers allows non-privileged users without "enabled" access to obtain sensitive information via the show command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0345 represents a critical access control flaw within Cisco routers that undermines the security boundaries designed to protect sensitive network information. This issue specifically targets the online help system options that are accessible through the router's command-line interface, where non-privileged users can exploit a design weakness to gain unauthorized access to information that should be restricted to users with elevated "enabled" privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks within the router's user interface implementation, allowing users with minimal privileges to execute commands that reveal confidential system details and configuration information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the show command functionality within the router's help system, where the authorization mechanisms fail to properly validate user privileges before executing sensitive information retrieval operations. This flaw operates at the application layer of the network infrastructure, specifically within the router's operating system interface that governs command execution and access control. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, representing a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that should govern all network device management interfaces. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gather intelligence about the router's configuration, running processes, and potentially network topology information that could be used for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0345 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked information could provide attackers with valuable insights for planning more sophisticated attacks against the network infrastructure. Non-privileged users who gain access to sensitive information through this vulnerability can potentially map network configurations, identify running services, and discover potential attack vectors that would otherwise remain hidden from unauthorized users. This information disclosure vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized parties to access system information that should remain protected within a secure administrative environment. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to network availability, as the leaked information could be used to identify specific router models and versions that may be susceptible to additional attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of access control measures that properly enforce privilege levels within the router's command interface. Network administrators should ensure that all Cisco routers are configured with appropriate user privilege levels and that the help system options are properly restricted to authorized users only. The implementation of role-based access control within router configurations can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information while maintaining necessary operational functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control lists to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Gather Victim Host Information) which represent common attack patterns that exploit information disclosure weaknesses in network infrastructure devices. Regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that access control mechanisms remain effective against similar vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the future.