CVE-2014-3349 in Cloud Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud (aka Cisco Cloud Portal) does not validate file types during the handling of file submission, which allows remote authenticated users to upload arbitrary files via a crafted request, aka Bug ID CSCuh87410.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3349 affects Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud, formerly known as Cisco Cloud Portal, presenting a critical security flaw in file handling mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient validation of file types during the file submission process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically impacts authenticated users who can leverage this weakness to upload arbitrary files to the target system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper file type validation within the application's upload functionality. When users submit files through the cloud portal interface, the system fails to adequately verify the content type or file extension of uploaded files before processing them. This lack of validation creates an environment where attackers can manipulate the file upload process by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal security checks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-434, which specifically addresses "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," representing a well-documented weakness in web application security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code on the target system through file uploads. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious scripts, executables, or other harmful files that can compromise the entire cloud environment. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers "Exploit Public-Facing Application," and T1059, covering "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as attackers can upload and execute malicious payloads through the compromised upload functionality.
Organizations utilizing Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary defense involves implementing strict file type validation mechanisms that verify both the file extension and MIME type of uploaded content against a comprehensive whitelist of approved file types. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding practices can help prevent malicious file uploads from being processed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related applications and systems. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing file upload vulnerabilities in enterprise cloud environments.