CVE-2012-4088 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) has a hardcoded password for an unspecified user account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to read or modify files by leveraging knowledge of this password, aka Bug ID CSCtg20769.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4088 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) FTP servers that exposes the system to unauthorized remote access. This issue stems from a hardcoded password configuration that persists across system deployments, creating a persistent backdoor that significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected UCS environments. The vulnerability specifically targets the FTP service component of Cisco UCS, which is designed to facilitate file transfer operations but becomes exploitable due to improper credential management practices.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a hardcoded password that is embedded within the FTP server software configuration, likely stored in plaintext or using weak cryptographic methods. This hardcoded credential allows attackers to authenticate to the FTP service without requiring legitimate user credentials or authentication mechanisms. The unspecified user account referenced in the vulnerability description suggests that the attacker can potentially gain access to a privileged account within the system, though the exact scope of privileges remains unclear. The vulnerability's classification as a credential weakness directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded passwords in software implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with a persistent means of gaining system access that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Remote attackers can utilize this hardcoded credential to read sensitive files, modify system configurations, or potentially escalate privileges within the UCS environment. The vulnerability's persistence across system reboots and deployments makes it particularly dangerous as it remains effective regardless of normal security maintenance procedures. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for lateral movement and persistence within network environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise, as attackers only need to know the hardcoded password to gain unauthorized access to the FTP service. This low barrier to entry makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation across various network environments. Organizations implementing Cisco UCS solutions face significant risk when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as the hardcoded credentials provide attackers with a reliable method for gaining unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in credential management and highlights the importance of avoiding hardcoded authentication credentials in enterprise systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4088 primarily involve applying the official Cisco security patches that address the hardcoded password issue. Organizations should immediately upgrade their Cisco UCS firmware to versions that eliminate the hardcoded credentials and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, though they cannot fully compensate for the presence of hardcoded credentials. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized FTP access attempts and unusual file transfer activities that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive credential audits to ensure no other hardcoded passwords exist within the system, as this vulnerability exemplifies the broader security principle that hardcoded credentials represent a significant risk vector requiring immediate attention and remediation.