CVE-2012-4083 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the administrative web interface in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) allow remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and session termination) via long string values for unspecified parameters, aka Bug ID CSCtg20751.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4083 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco Unified Computing System administrative web interface, specifically targeting buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. This issue affects the core management functionality of Cisco UCS appliances, which are designed to provide unified computing infrastructure management for data centers. The vulnerability resides in the processing of user-supplied input within the administrative web interface components, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow scenario where long string values are accepted for unspecified parameters within the web interface. This flaw operates at the application layer and requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to exploit the vulnerability, though the authentication requirement does not mitigate the potential impact. The buffer overflow conditions result in memory corruption that ultimately leads to service disruption and session termination. According to the Cisco bug ID CSCtg20751, the vulnerability manifests when the system processes parameter values that exceed predetermined buffer sizes, causing the application to overwrite adjacent memory segments and potentially leading to unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4083 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the memory corruption can result in complete system instability and potential data loss within the managed computing environment. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can effectively disrupt critical infrastructure management functions, potentially causing extended downtime for data center operations. The administrative web interface serves as the primary control point for UCS management, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the ability of administrators to monitor and control their computing infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant risk to enterprise security operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from Cisco, as the company would have released specific security advisories addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular monitoring of administrative interface logs for unusual parameter values and implementing input validation controls can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services, and organizations should consider implementing security controls that address both authentication and input validation aspects. Organizations managing Cisco UCS environments should prioritize patch management processes and maintain updated security configurations to prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions that could lead to exploitation of this buffer overflow vulnerability.