CVE-2014-0650 in Secure Access Control System
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in Cisco Secure Access Control System (ACS) 5.x before 5.4 Patch 3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating-system commands via a request to this interface, aka Bug ID CSCue65962.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0650 represents a critical command injection flaw within Cisco Secure Access Control System version 5.x prior to 5.4 Patch 3. This security weakness resides in the web interface component of the ACS platform, which serves as the primary management portal for network access control policies and user authentication. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating-system commands on the affected system, fundamentally compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the network access control environment.
This command injection vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web interface's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal authentication and authorization checks, allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary commands directly on the underlying operating system. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the web interface's trust in user-provided input without proper sanitization or validation. According to CWE-77, this vulnerability maps directly to improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the privileged nature of the ACS system, which typically manages critical network access controls and user authentication policies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected ACS server. This compromise can result in unauthorized network access, credential theft, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could manipulate access control policies, create backdoor accounts, or disable security controls entirely, effectively undermining the entire purpose of the secure access control system. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Cisco ACS for network access control, potentially exposing their entire network infrastructure to unauthorized access and malicious activities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the web interface is typically accessible from external networks, making this vulnerability exploitable from any location with network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0650 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to Cisco ACS 5.4 Patch 3 or later versions, as this represents the most effective remediation approach. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the ACS web interface, utilizing firewall rules to restrict access to trusted administrative networks only. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security assessments of the access control infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework aligns with techniques such as command and control, privilege escalation, and lateral movement, making comprehensive monitoring and detection capabilities essential. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and establish strict input validation policies for all user-facing interfaces. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of the ACS environment can help identify similar weaknesses and ensure the effectiveness of implemented security controls.