CVE-2010-1575 in Content Services Switch 11500
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco Content Services Switch (CSS) 11500 with software 08.20.1.01 conveys authentication data through ClientCert-* headers but does not delete client-supplied ClientCert-* headers, which might allow remote attackers to bypass authentication via crafted header data, as demonstrated by a ClientCert-Subject-CN header, aka Bug ID CSCsz04690.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1575 affects the Cisco Content Services Switch CSS 11500 series devices running software version 08.20.1.01. This security flaw resides within the authentication mechanism of the device's web interface, specifically in how it handles client certificate headers during the authentication process. The device implements a system where authentication data is transmitted through ClientCert- headers, which are typically used to convey client certificate information to the server for authentication purposes. However, the implementation contains a critical design flaw that fails to properly sanitize or remove client-supplied ClientCert- headers from incoming requests before processing them.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious HTTP requests containing forged ClientCert-* headers, particularly the ClientCert-Subject-CN header that contains the certificate subject common name. This header is normally populated by the web server or proxy when a valid client certificate is presented, but in the vulnerable implementation, the device does not properly clean or validate these headers before using their values for authentication decisions. This creates a path where malicious users can inject arbitrary certificate subject information that bypasses the normal authentication checks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which specifically addresses situations where access controls are improperly enforced due to inadequate input validation or header handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows remote attackers to completely bypass authentication mechanisms on the affected Cisco Content Services Switch devices. An attacker who can send crafted HTTP requests to the device's web interface can potentially gain unauthorized access to the device's management functions, configuration settings, and potentially the network resources protected by the switch. This authentication bypass enables attackers to perform administrative actions, modify device configurations, view sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the device's web interface.
The security implications extend beyond simple access control bypass to include potential network compromise and data exposure. Organizations relying on these switches for content delivery and network security may find their protected assets accessible to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper header validation in web applications and network devices. Security practitioners should consider this issue in the context of ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as the bypass allows attackers to assume legitimate user identities through crafted certificate information. Mitigation strategies should include immediate software updates to patched versions, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and deployment of additional access control measures such as firewall rules restricting access to the device's web management ports. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious header patterns and consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required for administration purposes.