CVE-2013-5506 in Firewall Services Module
Summary
by MITRE
The authorization functionality in Cisco Firewall Services Module (FWSM) 3.1.x and 3.2.x before 3.2(25) and 4.x before 4.1(13), when multiple-context mode is enabled, allows local users to read or modify any context s configuration via unspecified commands, aka Bug ID CSCue46080.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5506 affects Cisco Firewall Services Module FWSM versions 3.1.x and 3.2.x prior to 3.2(25) and 4.x prior to 4.1(13) when operating in multiple-context mode. This represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the fundamental security model of the device. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the authorization functionality, creating a privilege escalation vector that allows local attackers to bypass normal security boundaries between contexts. The vulnerability specifically impacts the configuration management capabilities of the firewall, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive operational data and system parameters that should be restricted to authorized administrators only.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified commands that permit local users to execute operations across different contexts within the same FWSM device. This occurs because the authorization mechanism fails to properly validate context boundaries when processing administrative commands. The vulnerability essentially allows a malicious user within one context to gain access to the configuration data, policies, and operational parameters of other contexts running on the same device. This cross-context access bypasses the intended security isolation that multiple-context mode is designed to provide, creating a scenario where compromise of one context can lead to complete exposure of all contexts on the device. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical failure in the device's access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Cisco FWSM devices in multiple-context configurations. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive configuration information, modify firewall policies, and potentially gain unauthorized access to network traffic flows across different security zones. This could result in complete compromise of network security posture, as attackers could modify access control lists, routing configurations, and security policies that protect critical network segments. The vulnerability also enables data exfiltration from other contexts, potentially exposing confidential information and operational details that should remain isolated. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and significant security breaches when this vulnerability is exploited in environments where multiple contexts are used to isolate different business units or security domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5506 should prioritize immediate patching of affected FWSM devices to the recommended software versions that address the authorization flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local administrative access to FWSM devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the device console. Regular security audits should verify that context isolation is properly maintained and that no unauthorized access paths exist between contexts. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review their overall security architecture to ensure that the multiple-context mode is properly configured with appropriate access controls and that administrative access is restricted to validated users. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation and credential access, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.