CVE-2009-0622 in ACE 4710
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Cisco ACE Application Control Engine Module for Catalyst 6500 Switches and 7600 Routers before A2(1.2) and Cisco ACE 4710 Application Control Engine Appliance before A1(8a) allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary operating-system commands through a command line interface (CLI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0622 represents a critical command injection flaw within Cisco's Application Control Engine modules and appliances. This vulnerability affects the Cisco ACE Application Control Engine Module for Catalyst 6500 Switches and 7600 Routers operating in versions prior to A2(1.2) and the Cisco ACE 4710 Application Control Engine Appliance before A1(8a). The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the command line interface functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary operating-system commands on affected devices. The vulnerability specifically impacts the privileged command execution mechanisms that are accessible through the CLI interface, allowing attackers with valid authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over the underlying operating system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a critical weakness in software security. The flaw operates by failing to properly sanitize user input when processing commands through the CLI interface, enabling attackers to inject malicious commands that bypass normal access controls. The security implications are particularly severe because the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has obtained valid credentials for the device can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The affected systems are particularly vulnerable in environments where administrative access is granted to multiple users or where credentials might be compromised through social engineering or other attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to completely compromise the integrity and availability of network infrastructure. Once an attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands, they can modify system configurations, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt network operations. The Cisco ACE modules and appliances are typically deployed in mission-critical network environments where they serve as application delivery controllers, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain persistent access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from any location where they have authenticated access to the device, eliminating the need for physical presence or direct network access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of Cisco's security patches and updates, specifically targeting the affected software versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network administrators should ensure that all affected devices are upgraded to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, with particular attention to the A2(1.2) and A1(8a) release thresholds. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls, limiting CLI access to only essential administrative personnel, and establishing robust monitoring systems to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious commands. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control lists to limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation, as well as conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential post-exploitation activities that may have occurred.