CVE-2014-0649 in Secure Access Control System
Summary
by MITRE
The RMI interface in Cisco Secure Access Control System (ACS) 5.x before 5.5 does not properly enforce authorization requirements, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain superadmin access via a request to this interface, aka Bug ID CSCud75180.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0649 affects Cisco Secure Access Control System version 5.x prior to 5.5, specifically targeting the Remote Method Invocation interface. This flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that enables authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges to superadmin level access within the system. The vulnerability resides in the RMI interface implementation which fails to properly validate authorization requirements for administrative operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain elevated privileges without proper authentication.
The technical implementation flaw stems from insufficient access control validation mechanisms within the RMI interface of Cisco ACS. When authenticated users make specific requests to this interface, the system does not adequately verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges required for superadmin operations. This authorization failure allows attackers to exploit the interface and obtain superadmin access through crafted requests that bypass normal privilege checking mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the interface level where administrative functions are exposed, making it a direct vector for privilege escalation attacks.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Cisco ACS 5.x systems, as it enables attackers who have already gained initial authenticated access to escalate their privileges without additional authentication requirements. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation since superadmin access provides complete control over the access control system, potentially allowing attackers to modify user permissions, access restricted resources, and compromise the entire security infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive network resources and undermine the integrity of the access control system. The vulnerability affects the CIA triad by compromising both confidentiality and integrity aspects of the security model.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Cisco ACS 5.5 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper authorization enforcement mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit exposure of the RMI interface to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be implemented to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control issues, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities in other system components.