CVE-2014-2181 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software allows remote authenticated users to read files by sending a crafted URL to the HTTP server, as demonstrated by reading the running configuration, aka Bug ID CSCun78551.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2181 affects Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software versions 8.2 before 8.2(5.12), 8.3 before 8.3(2.12), 8.4 before 8.4(2.11), and 9.0 before 9.0(1.12). This represents a critical file disclosure flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to access sensitive system files through manipulated HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the web-based management interface of the ASA appliance, which serves as the primary administrative portal for configuring and monitoring network security policies. The issue stems from insufficient input validation within the HTTP server component that processes user requests, allowing maliciously crafted URLs to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the system filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a path traversal attack vector where authenticated users can manipulate URL parameters to navigate to restricted directories and access files that should remain protected. When an attacker sends a specially crafted URL to the ASA's HTTP server, the system fails to properly validate the requested file paths, enabling access to sensitive configuration files including the running configuration that contains critical network security policies, user credentials, and system settings. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how inadequate input sanitization in web applications can lead to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2181 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the running configuration file contains comprehensive details about network topology, security policies, firewall rules, and potentially sensitive authentication credentials. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain detailed knowledge of the network infrastructure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or targeted exploitation of other system components. The compromise of ASA configuration files undermines the fundamental security posture of organizations relying on these devices for network protection, as attackers can discover network segmentation strategies, identify vulnerable services, and map out the complete security architecture. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which covers data from information repositories, specifically targeting network device configurations that serve as critical attack vectors.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates that fix the path traversal flaw in the ASA web interface. Network administrators should also review and strengthen authentication controls, implement network segmentation to limit access to ASA management interfaces, and monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management services, implementing strict access controls through firewall rules, and conducting regular security assessments of network devices to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in network security appliances, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure web application development and network device hardening.