CVE-2013-6708 in Cloud Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Cloud Portal 9.4 allows remote attackers to read files of unspecified types via a direct request, aka Bug IDs CSCuj08426 and CSCui60889.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6708 affects Cisco Cloud Portal version 9.4 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability manifests through direct request mechanisms that bypass proper authentication and authorization controls, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the cloud portal environment. The flaw specifically impacts the file access controls implemented within the platform's web interface, creating a path for attackers to retrieve files without proper credentials or permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Cisco Cloud Portal's file handling processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting direct HTTP requests that target specific file paths within the system's file structure, potentially accessing configuration files, user data, application source code, or other sensitive information. The unspecified nature of the file types that can be accessed indicates a broad scope of potential impact, suggesting that the vulnerability affects multiple file categories across the system's storage hierarchy. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to comprehensive system compromise when attackers gain access to sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or application code. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access or local system privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for cloud-based environments where systems are accessible over the internet. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, potential privilege escalation, and further attack vectors that leverage the retrieved information to compromise additional system components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 as Exfiltration Over Unencrypted/Obfuscated Non-C2 Protocol, where attackers can extract data without using traditional command and control channels.
Organizations utilizing Cisco Cloud Portal 9.4 should implement immediate mitigations including patching the system to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing proper access controls and input validation measures, and conducting thorough security assessments of the affected environment. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be reviewed to limit access to the cloud portal, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file access controls and input validation in web applications, particularly in cloud environments where data exposure can have widespread consequences. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within their infrastructure.