CVE-2001-0056 in CBOS
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Web Management interface in routers running CBOS 2.4.1 and earlier does not log invalid logins, which allows remote attackers to guess passwords without detection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0056 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco routers running CBOS version 2.4.1 and earlier, specifically within the Web Management interface component. This issue fundamentally compromises the authentication security model by failing to maintain audit logs for failed login attempts, creating a significant blind spot for security monitoring and incident response activities. The flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement, as it removes the ability to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts through automated monitoring systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper logging mechanisms within the web management interface of affected Cisco routers. When authentication attempts fail, whether through incorrect passwords, invalid usernames, or other credential validation failures, the system fails to record these events in any accessible audit trail. This omission creates a false sense of security for administrators who may believe their systems are protected against unauthorized access attempts, while simultaneously providing attackers with a stealthy method to conduct password guessing or brute force attacks without risk of detection. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface, which is commonly used for remote administration of network infrastructure devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to systematically exploit the authentication mechanism without fear of detection, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential for successful compromise. The lack of logging creates a dangerous situation where malicious actors can conduct prolonged password guessing campaigns, dictionary attacks, or brute force attempts without alerting system administrators or security monitoring tools. This vulnerability directly violates the security principle of defense in depth, as it removes a crucial layer of monitoring and detection that should be present in any secure system. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation could lead to full administrative control of the affected router, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from network administrators and security teams. The most effective solution involves upgrading affected Cisco routers to CBOS versions that include proper logging mechanisms for authentication failures, typically CBOS 2.4.2 or later. Additionally, administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit direct access to management interfaces, while deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate brute force attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-778, which addresses insufficient logging, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.001 for credential guessing and T1071.004 for application layer protocols, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication and account lockout mechanisms to further reduce the risk of successful exploitation.