CVE-2012-0365 in Small Business Srp527w-u
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Local TFTP file-upload application on Cisco SRP 520 series devices with firmware before 1.1.26 and SRP 520W-U and 540 series devices with firmware before 1.2.4 allows remote authenticated users to upload software to arbitrary directories via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCtw56009.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0365 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Local TFTP file-upload application of Cisco SRP 520 series devices. This issue affects specific hardware models including the SRP 520, SRP 520W-U, and SRP 540 series devices when operating with firmware versions prior to 1.1.26 and 1.2.4 respectively. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the TFTP service implementation that handles file upload operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized file manipulation within the device's file system.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path handling within the TFTP upload functionality. When authenticated users attempt to upload files through the TFTP service, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the file paths specified during the upload process. This allows malicious actors to manipulate the destination path through specially crafted file names or upload parameters, enabling them to write files to arbitrary locations within the device's file system rather than being restricted to designated upload directories. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack, which is categorized under CWE-22 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standard.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote authenticated attackers with the capability to upload malicious software to critical system directories on affected Cisco devices. This could potentially enable attackers to install backdoors, modify system binaries, or deploy malware that persists across device reboots. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise networking infrastructure, as SRP 520 series devices are typically deployed in business environments where they serve as critical communication gateways. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially compromising entire network segments or enabling further lateral movement within the organization's attack surface.
The security implications extend beyond simple file upload manipulation, as this vulnerability could be exploited to compromise the device's integrity and availability. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially overwrite critical system files, install rootkits, or create unauthorized administrative accounts. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, which means that an attacker who has obtained valid credentials for the device could exploit this vulnerability without requiring additional privileged access. This aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation and persistence tactics, where attackers leverage application-level vulnerabilities to establish long-term access to target systems.
To mitigate this vulnerability, Cisco has released firmware updates for affected devices that address the directory traversal issue in the TFTP file-upload application. Organizations should immediately upgrade their SRP 520 series devices to firmware versions 1.1.26 or later for the SRP 520 series, and 1.2.4 or later for the SRP 520W-U and SRP 540 series. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting TFTP access to trusted networks, monitoring TFTP upload activities, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and firmware update management processes should be maintained to prevent similar issues from affecting other network infrastructure components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and path handling in network device applications, particularly those that process file operations.