CVE-2013-3408 in Virtualization Experience Client 6000
Summary
by MITRE
The firmware on Cisco Virtualization Experience Client 6000 devices sets incorrect operating-system permissions, which allows local users to gain privileges via an unspecified sequence of commands, aka Bug ID CSCuc31764.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3408 affects Cisco Virtualization Experience Client 6000 devices, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw within the device firmware. This issue stems from improper operating-system permission configurations that create exploitable conditions for local attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it resides within the firmware layer, making it difficult to detect and remediate through conventional software updates alone. The affected devices operate in virtualization environments where proper privilege separation is essential for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical system functions.
The technical flaw manifests through incorrect permission settings that allow local users to execute a sequence of commands resulting in elevated privileges. This permission misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker with local access can manipulate the system to gain higher-level administrative capabilities. The vulnerability specifically impacts the firmware implementation of the Cisco Virtualization Experience Client 6000, which operates as a specialized device for virtualization environments. The improper permission settings likely involve inadequate access controls for system resources, potentially including file permissions, process privileges, or kernel-level access restrictions that should normally prevent local users from escalating their privileges.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing Cisco Virtualization Experience Client 6000 devices in their infrastructure. Local attackers who gain initial access to these devices can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over the system. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise as these virtualization clients often serve as critical components in enterprise networks, potentially enabling attackers to move laterally within the network or access sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only local access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access to these devices might be compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Cisco to address the permission misconfiguration issues. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized local access to these devices. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permission assignment, and may map to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. Regular security assessments of firmware configurations and access controls should be conducted to prevent similar permission-related vulnerabilities from emerging in other network components. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.