CVE-2012-0384 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS 12.2 through 12.4 and 15.0 through 15.2 and IOS XE 2.1.x through 2.6.x and 3.1.xS before 3.1.2S, 3.2.xS through 3.4.xS before 3.4.2S, 3.5.xS before 3.5.1S, and 3.1.xSG and 3.2.xSG before 3.2.2SG, when AAA authorization is enabled, allow remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and execute commands via a (1) HTTP or (2) HTTPS session, aka Bug ID CSCtr91106.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-0384 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw affecting multiple versions of Cisco IOS and IOS XE operating systems. This security weakness specifically manifests when AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) authorization is enabled on affected Cisco devices, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to circumvent intended access controls and execute arbitrary commands within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability impacts a broad range of Cisco IOS versions including 12.2 through 12.4, 15.0 through 15.2, and various IOS XE releases from 2.1.x through 3.5.x, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these networking platforms across enterprise and service provider environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through HTTP or HTTPS sessions when AAA authorization is active, allowing attackers who have already authenticated to the device to bypass authorization checks that should normally restrict their access privileges. This flaw essentially enables authenticated users to escalate their privileges and execute commands that they would not normally be authorized to perform, effectively creating a backdoor within the device's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of authorization tokens or session states during the command execution process, where the system fails to properly verify that the authenticated user has sufficient privileges for the requested operations. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation within network device management interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it provides attackers with potentially full administrative control over affected network devices. Once exploited, an attacker could modify device configurations, redirect traffic, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This capability significantly increases the risk of network compromise and provides attackers with a powerful foothold for lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability's presence in multiple IOS and IOS XE versions means that organizations with diverse networking equipment deployments face widespread exposure, potentially affecting everything from core routers and switches to branch office devices and wireless access points. The remote nature of the attack vector further compounds the risk, as attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security is paramount.
Organizations affected by CVE-2012-0384 should immediately implement mitigations including applying the appropriate Cisco security patches and updates to resolve the authorization bypass vulnerability. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting HTTP/HTTPS access to administrative interfaces, enabling stronger authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the privilege escalation and defense evasion categories, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. Given the widespread nature of the vulnerability across multiple IOS versions, coordinated remediation efforts should prioritize the most critical network infrastructure components first, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.