CVE-2007-5548 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Command EXEC in Cisco IOS allow local users to gain privileges via unspecified vectors, aka (1) PSIRT-0474975756 and (2) PSIRT-0388256465. NOTE: as of 20071016, the only disclosure is a vague pre-advisory with no actionable information. However, since it is from a well-known researcher, it is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5548 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition within the Command EXEC functionality of Cisco IOS operating systems. This flaw exists within the local privilege escalation mechanisms of the network operating system, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to elevate their access rights from standard user levels to administrative privileges. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the command execution subsystem, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite stack memory regions with malicious data. These buffer overflow conditions specifically affect the EXEC command processing functionality, which is fundamental to Cisco router and switch operations, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in network infrastructure environments where such devices serve as critical communication nodes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of stack memory corruption during command execution processes, which aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow classification. Attackers can potentially manipulate input parameters to the EXEC command in such a way that they overwrite return addresses and control registers stored on the stack, effectively allowing them to redirect program execution flow. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist within the EXEC command processing logic, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against comprehensively. The vulnerability's designation as PSIRT-0474975756 and PSIRT-0388256465 indicates that Cisco's Product Security Incident Response Team recognized the severity and was tracking multiple related reports, though the initial disclosure contained minimal actionable information. The lack of specific exploitation details at the time of CVE assignment does not diminish the inherent risk, as buffer overflow vulnerabilities of this nature typically require only basic exploitation knowledge to be weaponized successfully.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5548 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise of affected Cisco network devices. Network administrators face significant risks when such vulnerabilities exist in their infrastructure, as compromised devices could be used as entry points for broader network infiltration, traffic interception, or denial of service attacks. The local privilege escalation nature means that an attacker would need initial access to the device through legitimate means such as console access, SSH, or Telnet connections, but once exploited, the vulnerability could provide a persistent backdoor for continued access. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad, compromising confidentiality through potential data exfiltration, integrity through unauthorized system modifications, and availability through possible service disruption. The attack surface is particularly broad since EXEC commands are fundamental to network device management, and any local user with access to these commands could potentially exploit the vulnerability, making it a significant concern for organizations with multiple network administrators or those with less restrictive access controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5548 should focus on immediate network device hardening and access control implementation. Organizations must ensure that all Cisco IOS devices are updated with the latest security patches provided by Cisco, as the vulnerability was addressed through firmware updates that corrected the buffer overflow conditions in the EXEC command processing. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit local access to network devices, implementing the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts. Monitoring and logging should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around EXEC command usage. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would fall under T1068, Local Port, and potentially T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation involves legitimate command execution mechanisms being misused for privilege escalation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable code, while network administrators should implement network access control lists and disable unnecessary services to reduce potential attack vectors. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations or services.