CVE-2012-2495 in Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
The HostScan downloader implementation in Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client 3.x before 3.0 MR8 and Cisco Secure Desktop before 3.6.6020 does not compare the timestamp of offered software to the timestamp of installed software, which allows remote attackers to force a version downgrade by using (1) ActiveX or (2) Java components to offer signed code that corresponds to an older software release, aka Bug ID CSCtx74235.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-2495 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco's AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and Cisco Secure Desktop software implementations. This issue affects versions 3.x before 3.0 MR8 and Cisco Secure Desktop before 3.6.6020, creating a significant attack vector that undermines the integrity of software update mechanisms. The flaw specifically resides in the HostScan downloader component, which is responsible for managing the installation and updating of security software components within the Cisco ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of timestamp comparison mechanisms during the software update process. When the HostScan downloader receives software offers through ActiveX or Java components, it fails to validate whether the offered software version is newer than the currently installed version by examining timestamp information. This omission creates a scenario where remote attackers can manipulate the update process by providing signed code corresponding to older software releases, effectively forcing a downgrade to vulnerable versions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate software components to execute malicious operations, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple version downgrades, as it enables attackers to potentially install vulnerable software versions that may contain known security flaws or backdoors. This downgrade attack can compromise the entire security posture of systems relying on Cisco AnyConnect, as older versions may lack critical security patches and protections. The attack vector through ActiveX and Java components is particularly dangerous because these technologies are commonly enabled in enterprise environments, providing attackers with multiple entry points to exploit the vulnerability. The implications are severe for organizations that depend on Cisco's secure mobility solutions, as this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass security controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive network resources.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and represents a specific instance of improper privilege management in software update processes. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques found in the ATT&CK framework under software supply chain compromise, where adversaries manipulate legitimate software update mechanisms to install malicious or vulnerable components. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX and Java components where possible, implementing strict software update policies, and ensuring that all Cisco products are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual software update activities and timestamp anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper version control and integrity verification mechanisms in security software to prevent attackers from manipulating update processes and compromising system security.