CVE-2012-4104 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in the image-download process in the fabric-interconnect component in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) allows local users to overwrite or delete arbitrary files via a full pathname in an image header, aka Bug ID CSCtq02706.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The CVE-2012-4104 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw within the fabric-interconnect component of Cisco Unified Computing System architecture. This vulnerability specifically affects the image-download process functionality, creating a dangerous condition where local attackers can manipulate file operations through crafted image headers. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation during image processing, allowing malicious users to specify absolute pathnames that bypass normal file access controls and system boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper path validation mechanisms within the fabric-interconnect's image handling subsystem. When the system processes image headers containing full pathnames, it fails to sanitize or verify these paths against legitimate system directories. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious image files that contain absolute path specifications in their headers, which are then processed without adequate security checks. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, where the system interprets the absolute path from the image header and executes file operations directly against the specified locations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to Cisco UCS environments as it allows local users to perform arbitrary file operations including overwriting critical system files or deleting essential components. The potential for system compromise extends beyond simple file manipulation to include complete system instability, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite configuration files, system binaries, or log files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or denial of service conditions that would require extensive recovery procedures.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes path traversal flaws as a fundamental security weakness in input validation and file system access controls. This weakness falls under the broader category of improper input validation attacks that can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation through file system manipulation and command execution within system processes. The local user requirement for exploitation reduces the attack surface complexity but still maintains significant impact potential within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4104 should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the fabric-interconnect image processing pipeline. Organizations should apply Cisco's official security patches and updates immediately upon availability to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file access controls, monitoring file system modifications, and restricting local user privileges to minimize potential impact. Network segmentation and access control policies should be reinforced to limit the attack surface and prevent unauthorized local access to critical system components. System administrators should also establish comprehensive monitoring procedures to detect unusual file operations or unauthorized modifications that could indicate exploitation attempts.