CVE-2014-3307 in Universal Small Cell
Summary
by MITRE
The DHCP client implementation in Universal Small Cell firmware on Cisco Small Cell products allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via crafted DHCP messages, aka Bug ID CSCup47513.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3307 resides within the DHCP client implementation of Universal Small Cell firmware found in Cisco Small Cell products. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices through the manipulation of DHCP messages. The vulnerability specifically impacts Cisco Small Cell products that utilize the Universal Small Cell firmware, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized control over network infrastructure equipment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) messages that are normally used for automatically assigning IP addresses and network configuration parameters to devices. The flaw exists in how the DHCP client processes incoming messages, allowing an attacker to craft specially designed DHCP responses that contain malicious payloads. When the affected device processes these crafted messages, the improperly validated input leads to arbitrary code execution on the target system, bypassing normal security controls and authentication mechanisms that would typically prevent such unauthorized access.
This vulnerability has substantial operational impact on organizations deploying Cisco Small Cell products, as it allows attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected devices. The compromised systems can then be used as entry points for broader network attacks, enabling lateral movement, data exfiltration, or as command and control nodes for distributed attacks. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the devices or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for mobile network infrastructure and enterprise deployments. The attack vector through DHCP messages also means that the vulnerability could be exploited through various network positions where DHCP services are present, including wireless access points, routers, or network switches that forward DHCP traffic.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the weakness of data buffers being too short or improperly handled, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from Cisco, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for anomalous DHCP traffic patterns. The implementation of DHCP snooping and other network access controls can help prevent unauthorized DHCP servers from communicating with the affected devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider disabling unnecessary DHCP client functionality on these devices and implementing strict access controls to limit potential exploitation vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable firmware across the network infrastructure.