CVE-2007-0058 in Clean Access
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Clean Access (CCA) 3.5.x through 3.5.9 and 3.6.x through 3.6.1.1 on the Clean Access Manager (CAM) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and download arbitrary manual database backups by guessing the snapshot filename using brute force, then making a direct request for the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0058 affects Cisco Clean Access Manager versions 3.5.x through 3.5.9 and 3.6.x through 3.6.1.1, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that compromises the security of network access control systems. This issue resides within the Clean Access Manager component of Cisco's Clean Access solution, which is designed to provide network access control and authentication services for enterprise environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the database backup functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system data through a methodical brute force attack against predictable backup file names.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from predictable filename generation within the database backup process. Attackers can systematically guess the snapshot filenames used by the Clean Access Manager system through brute force techniques, exploiting weak entropy in the naming convention for backup files. Once a valid filename is discovered through this process, the attacker can directly request the specific backup file without proper authentication, effectively bypassing the normal authentication mechanisms that should protect access to system configuration and user data. This flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor cryptographic practices in filename generation, with the vulnerability being categorized under CWE-200 as exposure of sensitive information through predictable filenames.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, as it provides attackers with access to complete database snapshots that may contain sensitive information including user credentials, network configurations, and access control policies. Such comprehensive backup files can serve as a goldmine for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or conduct further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring any valid credentials, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise network access control systems. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Credential Access through database dumping, and T1566.001 for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments, as attackers could potentially use the retrieved information to launch more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several defensive measures including the application of Cisco's official security patches and updates, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to the Clean Access Manager systems, and modification of backup file naming conventions to use cryptographically secure randomization. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to backup files and establish proper access controls to limit who can request database backups. Additionally, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary backup file access capabilities when not required for system maintenance, and implement regular security assessments to identify other potential predictable naming patterns that could lead to similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure random number generation in security-sensitive applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-90A for cryptographic random number generation requirements.