CVE-2013-5539 in Identity Services Engine Software
Summary
by MITRE
The upload-dialog implementation in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) allows remote authenticated users to upload files with an arbitrary file type, and consequently conduct attacks against unspecified other systems, via a crafted file, aka Bug ID CSCui67511.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5539 resides within the upload-dialog implementation of Cisco Identity Services Engine version 1.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of file handling processes within the network access control platform. This weakness specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern file uploads, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal file type restrictions and execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability operates through a crafted file upload mechanism that enables attackers to submit files with arbitrary extensions, potentially circumventing the intended security controls that should prevent the execution of harmful payloads.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation of file types during the upload process, allowing authenticated users to manipulate file attributes and extensions to disguise malicious content. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, which aligns with CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that mandate strict file type verification. The affected Cisco Identity Services Engine platform fails to properly enforce file type restrictions, enabling attackers to upload potentially harmful files such as executable binaries, scripts, or other malicious content that could compromise the system or network infrastructure. The implementation does not adequately verify file signatures or content types, relying instead on superficial extension checks that can be easily bypassed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, creating potential attack vectors that could lead to system compromise, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network environment. Remote authenticated users can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files that may execute with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system takeover or data exfiltration. The unspecified nature of the target systems indicates that the attack could affect various components within the network infrastructure, including but not limited to web servers, database systems, or other network devices that may be indirectly affected by the uploaded malicious content. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of the network access control services provided by Cisco ISE, potentially disrupting network operations and compromising the security posture of organizations relying on this platform for identity management and access control.
Organizations utilizing Cisco ISE version 1.1 and earlier should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing additional network segmentation controls, and monitoring file upload activities for suspicious patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within network infrastructure platforms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes. Security professionals should consider implementing additional monitoring controls that detect anomalous file upload behaviors and ensure that all network access control systems maintain strict file type validation mechanisms. This vulnerability also highlights the necessity of adhering to security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and following ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through file upload mechanisms, as the compromised system could potentially be used as a staging ground for further attacks within the network environment.