CVE-2010-0600 in Mediator Framework
Summary
by MITRE
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 does not properly restrict network access to an unspecified configuration file, which allows remote attackers to read passwords and unspecified other account details via a (1) XML RPC or (2) XML RPC over HTTPS session, aka Bug ID CSCtb83512.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0600 affects Cisco Mediator Framework versions prior to specific build releases on several Cisco network devices including the Network Building Mediator NBM-2400 and NBM-4800 series, as well as the Richards-Zeta Mediator 2500. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the framework's access control mechanisms that enables unauthorized remote attackers to gain access to sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability specifically relates to improper restriction of network access to an unspecified configuration file that contains authentication credentials and account details. The issue manifests through XML RPC interfaces and can be exploited over both standard XML RPC and XML RPC over HTTPS sessions, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the application layer of network communication protocols. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of inadequate access control issues that are commonly classified as CWE-284, which deals with improper access control mechanisms in software systems. The attack vector allows remote exploitation without requiring local access or authentication, making it a significant threat to network security infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and access restrictions within the Mediator Framework's configuration file handling mechanisms. When the framework processes XML RPC requests, it fails to properly validate the source of the requests or enforce appropriate access controls for sensitive files containing password hashes, account credentials, and other authentication-related information. This misconfiguration allows attackers to construct malicious XML RPC requests that bypass normal access controls and directly access the configuration files. The vulnerability exists across multiple product versions, indicating a fundamental design flaw in the access control implementation rather than a simple coding error. The fact that the attack can be executed over both plaintext XML RPC and HTTPS sessions suggests that the flaw is in the application logic itself rather than in the transport layer security. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information that could be used for further attacks, including privilege escalation, credential reuse, or lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The impact of such information disclosure can be severe as it provides attackers with the means to authenticate as legitimate users and potentially gain administrative access to the affected systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0600 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire security posture of networks relying on affected Cisco Mediator Framework implementations. Organizations using the vulnerable versions of these network building mediators face significant risks including unauthorized access to network configuration data, potential credential theft, and the possibility of establishing persistent access points within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects critical network infrastructure devices that serve as intermediaries in network communications, making the potential impact substantial for enterprise and service provider networks. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple product lines and version ranges indicates that organizations may have widespread exposure across their network infrastructure. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape, particularly when assessing the security of network infrastructure components that handle authentication and authorization functions. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which deals with valid accounts and credential access, highlights its potential for enabling attackers to establish persistent access and move laterally within networks. Additionally, the weakness contributes to the broader category of privilege escalation techniques that attackers can use to gain elevated access rights within the network environment.
Organizations affected by CVE-2010-0600 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the access control flaws in the Mediator Framework. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to XML RPC interfaces, particularly those that handle sensitive configuration data. Regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious XML RPC activity and unauthorized access attempts should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should perform thorough inventory checks to identify all affected devices and ensure that all instances are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems that can monitor for patterns consistent with exploitation attempts of similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the importance of understanding the attack surface of network infrastructure components that handle authentication and configuration data. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be performed to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses in other network components that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques.