CVE-2007-5549 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Command EXEC in Cisco IOS allows local users to bypass command restrictions and obtain sensitive information via an unspecified "variation of an IOS command" involving "two different methods", aka CSCsk16129. 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
This vulnerability resides within Cisco IOS Command EXEC functionality, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to circumvent established command restrictions. The issue manifests through an unspecified variation of IOS command execution that employs two distinct methods for bypassing security controls. The vulnerability classification as unspecified indicates that initial disclosure provided minimal technical details, with only a vague pre-advisory available that lacks actionable information for security professionals. Despite the limited disclosure at the time of CVE assignment, the vulnerability was recognized as significant enough to warrant tracking through the CVE system, particularly given its origin from a well-established security researcher within the Cisco ecosystem. The nature of the vulnerability suggests an underlying flaw in command parsing or access control mechanisms that allows unauthorized command execution beyond normal operational boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a sophisticated bypass mechanism that operates through two different methods, indicating a complex attack vector that may exploit multiple pathways within the IOS command execution framework. The unspecified nature of the exact command variations and bypass techniques suggests that the vulnerability likely involves a fundamental flaw in how IOS processes certain command inputs or handles privilege escalation scenarios. This type of vulnerability typically resides in the command interpreter layer of the operating system, where input validation or access control checks may be insufficiently implemented. The local user access requirement indicates that attackers must already have some level of system access or credentials to exploit this vulnerability, though the bypass capability allows them to escalate their privileges or access restricted functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables local users to obtain sensitive information that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. This capability represents a significant threat to network security integrity, particularly in enterprise environments where IOS devices serve as critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to access configuration data, system logs, or other sensitive operational information that would normally be protected by command restrictions. The fact that this affects the Command EXEC functionality means that it could compromise the integrity of the entire command execution environment, potentially allowing for further exploitation through chained attacks or privilege escalation to higher-level administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive access control measures and strengthening command execution validation within the IOS environment. Organizations should ensure that all IOS devices are running the latest available security patches and updates from Cisco, as the vulnerability likely represents a flaw that was subsequently addressed through firmware updates. Network administrators should implement strict monitoring of command execution activities and establish robust audit trails to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's classification as affecting the command execution layer suggests that implementing additional input validation controls and privilege separation mechanisms could help reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and least privilege access models to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts, while maintaining compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the CWE database for command injection and privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the command and control execution capabilities within network infrastructure devices.