CVE-2007-2586 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP Server in Cisco IOS 11.3 through 12.4 does not properly check user authorization, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, and have other impact including reading startup-config, as demonstrated by a crafted MKD command that involves access to a VTY device and overflows a buffer, aka bug ID CSCek55259.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2586 represents a critical authorization flaw within Cisco IOS FTP server implementations spanning versions 11.3 through 12.4. This weakness stems from inadequate user authorization validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized remote attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests through a specific attack vector involving a crafted MKD command that leverages VTY device access to trigger a buffer overflow condition, ultimately leading to remote code execution capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a precise sequence where attackers craft malicious MKD commands that exploit improper input validation within the FTP server component. The flaw enables attackers to gain access to VTY devices through the FTP interface, subsequently triggering a buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This authorization bypass allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include critical data exposure and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read the startup configuration file, potentially exposing sensitive network configuration details including usernames, passwords, and network topology information. The ability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges creates a complete compromise scenario where attackers can establish persistent access, modify network configurations, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2586 require immediate implementation of network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of affected Cisco IOS devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should disable unnecessary FTP services and implement proper firewall rules to restrict access to FTP ports from trusted sources only. Cisco recommends upgrading to IOS versions that contain patches addressing this vulnerability, as well as implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious FTP activity. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1059 which addresses command and scripting interpreters, highlighting the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and privilege monitoring. Additionally, implementing secure configuration practices including disabling unused services and enforcing strong authentication mechanisms provides defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts targeting this specific authorization bypass vulnerability.