CVE-2014-2200 in NX-OS
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco NX-OS 5.0 before 5.0(5) on Nexus 7000 devices, when local authentication and multiple VDCs are enabled, allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges within an unintended VDC via an SSH session to a management interface, aka Bug ID CSCti11629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2021
This vulnerability exists in Cisco NX-OS software version 5.0 before 5.0(5) running on Nexus 7000 series switches when local authentication is enabled alongside multiple virtual device contexts. The flaw represents a privilege escalation issue that enables authenticated attackers to move laterally between virtual contexts without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically affects the SSH management interface handling of VDC sessions, creating an authorization boundary violation that undermines the security model of isolated virtual contexts.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper session management during SSH connections where the system fails to properly validate VDC boundaries when users authenticate through the management interface. When multiple VDCs are configured, each VDC should maintain strict isolation of administrative functions and access controls. However, the vulnerability allows an authenticated user to establish an SSH session that can be manipulated to access resources within other VDCs without proper authentication or authorization. This occurs because the system does not adequately enforce VDC context boundaries during the authentication and session establishment phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for network administrators who rely on VDC isolation for security segmentation. An attacker who gains access to any VDC through legitimate authentication can potentially escalate privileges to access other VDCs containing sensitive network management functions, configuration data, or administrative controls. This breach of isolation can lead to complete compromise of the Nexus 7000 device's management plane, allowing attackers to modify configurations, view sensitive data, or disrupt network operations across multiple virtual contexts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over the standard SSH protocol, making detection difficult and exploitation relatively straightforward for authenticated users.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches that address this privilege escalation vulnerability in the NX-OS software. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring of SSH session establishment and VDC context switching activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a specific instance of privilege escalation through improper session management. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to achieve lateral movement within network infrastructure. Security teams should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify affected devices and ensure that local authentication combined with multiple VDC configurations are properly secured through patch management and configuration hardening.