CVE-2013-1185 in Unified Computing System
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in the Manager component in Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) 1.x and 2.x before 2.0(2m) allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a (1) technical-support bundle file or (2) on-device configuration backup, aka Bug ID CSCtq86543.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1185 affects the Manager component within Cisco Unified Computing System versions 1.x and 2.x prior to 2.0(2m). This security flaw resides in the web interface of the UCS Manager and represents a significant information disclosure weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system data. The vulnerability specifically impacts the technical-support bundle file and on-device configuration backup functionalities, creating potential exposure of critical system information that should remain protected within enterprise data centers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and authentication mechanisms within the web interface of the UCS Manager component. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply reading specific files that contain technical support information and device configuration backups without proper authorization. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be executed remotely, eliminating the need for physical access or local network privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Configuration Repository, indicating the exploitation of system configuration data through improper access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1185 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the compromised data could include detailed system configurations, network settings, user credentials, and technical support information that could be leveraged for further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially map the entire UCS infrastructure, identify network topology, understand system architecture, and gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. This information could be particularly valuable for attackers planning lateral movement within the network or targeting other connected systems that might share similar configuration patterns or credentials.
Organizations using affected Cisco UCS versions should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of the patched software version 2.0(2m) or later. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the UCS Manager web interface, enforcing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their UCS configurations to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching. Additionally, implementing network access controls such as firewalls and access control lists can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can reach the UCS Manager web interface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise infrastructure management systems and highlights the potential consequences of insufficient access controls in centralized management interfaces.