CVE-2012-4110 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
run-script in the fabric-interconnect component in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) allows local users to gain privileges by embedding commands in an unspecified parameter, aka Bug ID CSCtq86560.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4110 represents a privilege escalation flaw within Cisco Unified Computing System's fabric-interconnect component, specifically affecting the run-script functionality. This issue resides in the fabric-interconnect module which serves as a critical management interface for Cisco UCS environments, handling various administrative tasks and system operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the run-script component that processes unspecified parameters, creating an avenue for local attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The bug identifier CSCtq86560 indicates this was a recognized issue within Cisco's internal tracking systems, highlighting the organization's awareness of the potential security implications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a command injection flaw that occurs when the fabric-interconnect component processes user-supplied parameters within the run-script functionality. Local users can exploit this by embedding malicious commands within an unspecified parameter, effectively bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of command injection attacks, which are classified as CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The flaw essentially allows an attacker with local access to manipulate the parameter handling mechanism and execute unauthorized system commands, potentially escalating their privileges to system administrator levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to compromise the entire fabric-interconnect management interface. Since this component controls critical UCS infrastructure management functions, successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or even disable critical system services. The local nature of the attack means that an attacker would need physical access or pre-existing local credentials, but once achieved, the privilege escalation could provide complete control over the fabric-interconnect component. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1059 which covers 'Command and Scripting Interpreter', demonstrating how local privilege escalation can be achieved through command injection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4110 should focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco UCS systems, as Cisco would have released security advisories containing firmware updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitoring for the fabric-interconnect component to detect anomalous command execution patterns. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit local access to critical management interfaces. Regular security audits of UCS environments should include verification of parameter handling mechanisms and input validation controls. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious command execution patterns and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all UCS components will help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in administrative interfaces and highlights the potential consequences when such controls are inadequate in mission-critical infrastructure systems.