CVE-2012-4086 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
A setup script for fabric interconnect devices in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via invalid parameters, aka Bug ID CSCtg20790.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4086 represents a critical command injection flaw within the setup script of Cisco Unified Computing System fabric interconnect devices. This security weakness resides in the input validation mechanisms of the system's configuration utilities, where improper parameter handling creates an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically affects Cisco UCS environments and is catalogued under Bug ID CSCtg20790, indicating its identification within Cisco's internal tracking systems. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied parameters passed to the setup script, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through crafted input sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of setup script parameters that control the fabric interconnect device configuration process. When valid parameters are replaced or supplemented with malicious input, the system processes these invalid parameters without adequate validation, leading to unintended command execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively. The attack vector is remote, meaning that adversaries can leverage this flaw from outside the local network without requiring physical access or prior authentication. The setup script in question likely executes with elevated privileges, potentially enabling attackers to gain administrative control over the fabric interconnect devices, which serve as core components in data center networking infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4086 extends beyond simple command execution, as fabric interconnect devices form the backbone of Cisco UCS fabric management and control. These devices manage network connectivity, server provisioning, and system monitoring functions within data center environments. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the fabric interconnect, enabling attackers to redirect network traffic, modify device configurations, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a significant risk for enterprise data centers relying on Cisco UCS platforms, as it could allow attackers to disrupt critical network services, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised devices as launching points for further attacks against the broader network ecosystem. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties due to the potential for unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application from Cisco, as the company would have released security advisories and firmware updates addressing the command injection flaw. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense layers by limiting direct access to fabric interconnect management interfaces. The implementation of network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous command execution patterns and parameter manipulation attempts can serve as early warning systems. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Cisco UCS environments to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper configuration of access controls. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, while the broader impact aligns with T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1566 for credential access through network infrastructure compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for management interfaces and establish robust change management processes to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.