CVE-2007-2462 in PIX
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and PIX 7.2 before 7.2(2)8, when using Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) or Remote Management Access, allows remote attackers to bypass LDAP authentication and gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2462 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) and PIX firewalls running software versions 7.2 before 7.2(2)8. This issue specifically impacts configurations utilizing Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol or Remote Management Access functionalities, creating a significant security gap that could allow unauthorized access to network resources. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors suggests that attackers could exploit multiple pathways within the authentication framework, potentially undermining the fundamental security controls that these devices are designed to enforce.
The technical flaw manifests in the authentication processing mechanisms of these Cisco security appliances, where the LDAP authentication system can be circumvented through unknown attack vectors. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication. The issue occurs within the authentication subsystem where the firewall fails to properly validate user credentials when L2TP or remote management access is utilized, creating a potential backdoor for malicious actors. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in network security devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to establish persistent network footholds and potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels. Network administrators using these vulnerable devices face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized network access, and potential compromise of the entire security infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Cisco ASA and PIX appliances for perimeter security, particularly those implementing L2TP-based VPN services or remote management protocols. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive network resources, potentially leading to complete network compromise and data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2462 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 7.2(2)8 or later, which contain patches addressing the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable devices and monitor network traffic for suspicious authentication attempts. Security teams should disable L2TP and remote management access protocols if they are not essential for business operations, following the principle of least functionality. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential authentication bypass vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are implemented across all security devices.