CVE-2002-0908 in IDS Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server for Cisco IDS Device Manager before 3.1.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the HTTPS request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0908 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Cisco IDS Device Manager versions prior to 3.1.2. This weakness resides within the web server component that processes HTTPS requests, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate file paths to access unauthorized system resources. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e which represent parent directory references in web protocols. This flaw allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files from the underlying operating system that should remain protected from external access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Cisco IDS Device Manager web interface. When processing HTTPS requests containing directory traversal sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations. This lack of proper validation creates a path traversal condition where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the intended file path, allowing access to files outside the designated web root directory. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the web server component that handles administrative requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or local access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially administrative credentials stored on the device. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system files such as password hashes, configuration files, and other sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation or privilege escalation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device or network proximity, making it a particularly concerning vulnerability for network security administrators. This flaw essentially allows an attacker to perform unauthorized file system operations and access data that should remain restricted to authorized administrators only.
Organizations utilizing Cisco IDS Device Manager versions prior to 3.1.2 face significant security risks from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited by attackers from anywhere on the internet. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, and T1566, which covers credential access through various exploitation methods. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Cisco IDS Device Manager is designed for network security monitoring and protection, making any compromise of the device potentially devastating to overall network security posture.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of Cisco IOS Software Release 3.1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent directory traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the device to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong access controls, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block directory traversal attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network management systems and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.