CVE-2010-0597 in Mediator Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Cisco Mediator Framework 1.5.1 before 1.5.1.build.14-eng, 2.2 before 2.2.1.dev.1, and 3.0 before 3.0.9.release.1 on the Cisco Network Building Mediator NBM-2400 and NBM-4800 and the Richards-Zeta Mediator 2500 allows remote authenticated users to read or modify the device configuration, and gain privileges or cause a denial of service (device reload), via a (1) XML RPC or (2) XML RPC over HTTPS request, aka Bug ID CSCtb83618.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0597 represents a critical security flaw within the Cisco Mediator Framework affecting multiple versions of the Cisco Network Building Mediator and Richards-Zeta Mediator devices. This unspecified vulnerability exists in the XML RPC processing mechanisms of the affected software versions, specifically in the 1.5.1 build series before 1.5.1.build.14-eng, 2.2 versions before 2.2.1.dev.1, and 3.0 versions before 3.0.9.release.1. The flaw manifests in the handling of XML RPC requests and their HTTPS variants, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through authenticated network access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the XML RPC processing layer of the Cisco Mediator Framework. Attackers with valid authentication credentials can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized operations against the device configuration. The vulnerability allows for multiple malicious activities including configuration read and modification capabilities, privilege escalation, and potential device reload operations that could result in denial of service conditions. This represents a significant weakness in the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement within the network infrastructure devices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to network security and availability. Remote authenticated users can manipulate critical device configurations, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire network infrastructure managed by these mediators. The ability to cause device reloads creates opportunities for denial of service attacks that could disrupt network operations and availability for legitimate users. The privilege escalation capability means that attackers could gain elevated access levels beyond their initial authenticated session, potentially allowing them to control the entire device and its network functions. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through unauthorized configuration reads, integrity through unauthorized modifications, and availability through potential denial of service conditions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation, and T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that insiders or compromised legitimate users could exploit this vulnerability. The XML RPC processing mechanism represents a common attack vector that has been exploited in numerous other security incidents, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where authentication credentials might be compromised.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches and updates released for the affected Cisco Mediator Framework versions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the scope of authenticated access to these devices. Regular monitoring of device logs for unauthorized configuration changes and suspicious authentication patterns should be implemented. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Additionally, implementing network access control lists and restricting unnecessary XML RPC access can help reduce the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure operational stability while addressing the identified security weakness.