CVE-2014-3350 in Cloud Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud (aka Cisco Cloud Portal) does not properly implement URL redirection, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCuh84870.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud represents a comprehensive platform designed to automate cloud deployment and management processes within enterprise environments. This system facilitates orchestration of cloud resources and provides administrative interfaces for managing cloud infrastructure. The platform's architecture includes web-based management consoles that handle authentication and authorization for various administrative functions. The vulnerability in question affects the platform's handling of URL redirection mechanisms within its web interface components. When users navigate through the administrative portal, the system processes various URLs to maintain session state and direct users to appropriate pages. The flaw manifests in the platform's failure to properly validate and sanitize URL parameters during redirection processes, creating a potential information disclosure vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the URL redirection logic. When authenticated users interact with the system's web interface, specific URL parameters are processed to determine navigation paths and maintain session integrity. The system does not adequately sanitize or validate these parameters before using them in redirection operations. This allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted URLs that bypass normal access controls and potentially reveal sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the authenticated context, meaning that only users who have already established legitimate credentials can exploit this weakness. Attackers can manipulate URL parameters to traverse the application's navigation structure and potentially access resources or data that should be restricted to authorized personnel. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-601 category of URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, which specifically addresses the risks associated with improper redirection handling in web applications. The implementation flaw creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, potentially enabling more severe security breaches within the cloud automation environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to administrative functions, view sensitive configuration data, or potentially manipulate cloud deployment processes. The compromised system could lead to unauthorized resource provisioning, data exposure, or disruption of automated cloud workflows that organizations rely upon for their infrastructure management. Organizations using Cisco Intelligent Automation for Cloud may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive data is accessed through this vulnerability, particularly in environments subject to strict data protection requirements. The vulnerability affects the platform's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially undermining the security posture of the entire cloud automation infrastructure. This weakness could also enable attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities within the cloud environment, mapping out system components and identifying additional targets for exploitation. The impact is particularly significant in multi-tenant environments where cloud resources are shared across multiple organizations, as unauthorized access to one tenant's information could potentially expose data from other tenants.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and systematic implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the URL redirection implementation flaw. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual URL parameter patterns or unauthorized navigation attempts within the administrative interface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader cloud automation ecosystem. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can help prevent malicious URL manipulation attempts. Organizations should also conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential exploitation attempts and understand proper access control procedures. System administrators should review and audit access logs to identify any unauthorized access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for comprehensive security testing of web application components. This case highlights the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and the critical role that proper URL handling plays in maintaining application security boundaries. Organizations should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar redirection flaws in other web applications within their infrastructure. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that security patches do not introduce regressions in system functionality while effectively addressing the identified vulnerability.