CVE-2001-0621 in Content Services Switch 11000
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server on Cisco Content Service 11000 series switches (CSS) before WebNS 4.01B23s and WebNS 4.10B13s allows an attacker who is an FTP user to read and write arbitrary files via GET or PUT commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0621 represents a critical access control flaw in Cisco Content Service 11000 series switches that operate with WebNS software versions prior to 4.01B23s and 4.10B13s. This issue specifically affects the File Transfer Protocol implementation within the network infrastructure devices, creating a pathway for unauthorized file system manipulation that could compromise the entire network security posture. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege enforcement mechanisms within the FTP server component, allowing authenticated users to escalate their privileges through malformed file operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of standard FTP GET and PUT commands, which are typically used for file retrieval and upload operations respectively. Attackers who have gained initial FTP access can leverage this flaw to perform arbitrary file read and write operations on the underlying file system, potentially accessing sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or other critical data. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, as the vulnerability allows for privilege escalation beyond what should be permitted for standard FTP users. The flaw essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor mechanism to navigate the file system without proper authorization, enabling them to modify system files or extract confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates opportunities for persistent network compromise and lateral movement within the infrastructure. Network administrators who rely on these switches for content delivery and caching services face significant risks, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to modify web content, inject malicious code, or disable critical services. The vulnerability's presence in content service switches means that attackers could potentially manipulate cached content, redirect traffic, or establish persistent footholds within the network infrastructure. This threat is particularly concerning given that these switches often serve as critical components in enterprise networks, where they handle significant volumes of traffic and content delivery operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Cisco Content Service 11000 series switches to WebNS versions 4.01B23s or later, as well as implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit FTP user privileges. Organizations should also consider disabling FTP services where possible and implementing alternative secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS with proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and represents a specific instance of privilege escalation through insecure file operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers could use the ability to write arbitrary files to establish backdoors or modify system configurations for long-term access. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual FTP activity patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.