CVE-2012-5417 in Prime Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) before 6.1(1) does not properly restrict access to certain JBoss MainDeployer functionality, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via JBoss Application Server Remote Method Invocation (RMI) services, aka Bug ID CSCtz44924.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2012-5417 affects Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager version 6.0 and earlier, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of enterprise network management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the JBoss MainDeployer functionality within the DCNM platform, which serves as a core component for managing and deploying network applications. The flaw exists in the remote method invocation (RMI) services that are integral to the JBoss application server implementation used by Cisco DCNM, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized remote command execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the JBoss MainDeployer component, which should normally be restricted to authorized administrative users. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the exposed RMI services to gain unauthorized access to the underlying JBoss application server functionality. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the JBoss user account, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This flaw represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network management systems are often centrally managed and contain sensitive operational data.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5417 extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially disrupt critical network operations. Organizations using Cisco DCNM prior to version 6.1(1) face significant risk of unauthorized access to their data center network management infrastructure, which could result in service disruption, data breaches, or unauthorized network modifications. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the network, eliminating the need for physical access or insider knowledge of the internal network structure. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise enterprise network management systems.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of Cisco's security patches and updates, specifically targeting the upgrade to Cisco Prime DCNM 6.1(1) or later versions. Additional mitigations include network segmentation to isolate the affected systems, firewall rule implementation to restrict RMI service access, and comprehensive monitoring of suspicious network activity around the JBoss application server components. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar access control weaknesses in other enterprise applications and systems.