CVE-2002-0792 in Webns
Summary
by MITRE
The web management interface for Cisco Content Service Switch (CSS) 11000 switches allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (soft reset) via (1) an HTTPS POST request, or (2) malformed XML data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0792 affects the web management interface of Cisco Content Service Switch CSS 11000 series devices, representing a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against critical network infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically targets the HTTPS management interface, which serves as the primary administrative access point for configuring and managing the switch's content delivery services. The affected devices operate within enterprise networks where content service switches play a crucial role in optimizing web traffic and delivering content efficiently to end users, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can disrupt business-critical network operations.
The technical flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit improper input validation within the web management interface. The first vector involves sending specially crafted HTTPS POST requests that trigger an unintended soft reset of the device, effectively causing it to restart its operating system and temporarily cease content delivery services. The second vector exploits malformed XML data processing within the interface, where the device fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming XML payloads, leading to the same denial of service outcome. Both attack methods leverage the fact that the CSS 11000's management interface does not adequately implement input sanitization or error handling mechanisms to process external requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt service without requiring authentication or physical access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can cause cascading effects throughout enterprise networks that depend on the CSS 11000 for content delivery optimization. When the device experiences a soft reset, it temporarily removes itself from the content delivery network, forcing users to experience degraded performance or complete service interruption while the device reboots and re-establishes its connections. Network administrators may face challenges in identifying the root cause of service disruptions, as the resets appear to be system failures rather than malicious attacks, potentially leading to extended downtime and increased operational costs. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to business continuity, as content service switches are often deployed in mission-critical environments where uninterrupted service delivery is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to protect their network infrastructure from potential exploitation. The most effective approach involves restricting access to the web management interface through network segmentation, firewall rules, or access control lists that limit access to trusted administrative networks only. Cisco recommends applying the latest software patches and firmware updates that address the input validation issues in the web management interface, as these updates typically include enhanced validation routines and improved error handling mechanisms. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns or repeated connection attempts to the management interface, which may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. The implementation of network access control measures and regular security assessments can help prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other network infrastructure components.
This vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks and threat modeling approaches, including the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classification system where it would be categorized under CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and potentially CWE-16, "Configuration," as it relates to the insecure default configuration of the management interface. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1499.004, "Endpoint Denial of Service," and T1190, "Exploit Public-Facing Application," demonstrating how attackers can leverage publicly accessible management interfaces to cause service disruption. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network device development, as proper error handling and validation mechanisms could have prevented the exploitation of these attack vectors and maintained system availability during malicious activity.