CVE-2013-1192 in Device Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The JAR files on Cisco Device Manager for Cisco MDS 9000 devices before 5.2.8, and Cisco Device Manager for Cisco Nexus 5000 devices, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on Windows client machines via a crafted element-manager.jnlp file, aka Bug IDs CSCty17417 and CSCty10802.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1192 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Cisco Device Manager software deployed on MDS 9000 and Nexus 5000 series storage switches. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows client machines that interact with these network devices through the Device Manager interface, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to corporate networks. The flaw exists within the handling of JAR files and Java Web Start execution mechanisms, which are commonly used for remote management and configuration of enterprise storage infrastructure.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on a crafted element-manager.jnlp file that contains malicious Java applet code designed to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's Windows machine. When a user interacts with a specially crafted JAR file through the Cisco Device Manager interface, the Java Runtime Environment processes the malicious JNLP file and executes the embedded payload without proper input validation or sandboxing controls. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-74 as a 'Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component' and specifically relates to CWE-94 which addresses 'Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')'. The attack vector requires user interaction through a malicious JNLP file, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where administrators frequently manage network devices through web-based interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it allows attackers to establish persistent access to Windows client machines within the network. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, and potentially escalating privileges to administrative levels. The vulnerability affects multiple Cisco device families, specifically MDS 9000 and Nexus 5000 series switches, which are commonly deployed in enterprise data centers and require robust security controls due to their critical role in network infrastructure management. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of data breaches and network compromise, particularly when administrators access device management interfaces from potentially compromised workstations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco Device Manager versions, implementing network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, and establishing strict access controls for administrative accounts. Organizations should also consider disabling Java Web Start functionality for untrusted network segments and implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious JNLP file downloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell' and T1078.004 for 'Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts' as attackers may leverage compromised management interfaces to establish persistent access. Additional protective measures include deploying endpoint detection and response solutions, conducting regular security assessments of management interfaces, and implementing security awareness training for network administrators to recognize social engineering attempts that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.