CVE-2014-3390 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
The Virtual Network Management Center (VNMC) policy implementation in Cisco ASA Software 8.7 before 8.7(1.14), 9.2 before 9.2(2.8), and 9.3 before 9.3(1.1) allows local users to obtain Linux root access by leveraging administrative privileges and executing a crafted script, aka Bug IDs CSCuq41510 and CSCuq47574.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3390 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software versions. This issue affects the Virtual Network Management Center component which handles policy implementation for network security operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the Linux-based subsystem that runs within the ASA platform, creating a pathway for local attackers with administrative credentials to escalate their privileges to root level access. The flaw stems from inadequate privilege separation and insufficient input validation within the policy execution framework.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves a carefully crafted script that leverages existing administrative privileges to trigger a privilege escalation vulnerability. When executed, this script exploits a weakness in how the VNMC component processes policy configurations, allowing the malicious code to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-269, specifically related to improper privilege management where the system fails to properly enforce access controls. This weakness enables local users to bypass normal security boundaries that should prevent administrative accounts from gaining root access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on Cisco ASA appliances for network security. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the underlying Linux operating system, enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive network data, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This represents a significant compromise of the security posture since the ASA appliance itself becomes a potential attack vector for lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple software versions across the 8.7, 9.2, and 9.3 release lines, indicating a widespread exposure across Cisco's ASA product portfolio.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the relevant security patches provided by Cisco, which address the privilege escalation mechanism through proper input validation and privilege separation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious script execution patterns and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1548.001, which covers abuse of privileges through local account manipulation. Administrators should also consider implementing least privilege principles for administrative accounts and conducting regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The affected versions require immediate patch management to prevent exploitation, as this vulnerability provides attackers with direct access to root-level system controls that can compromise the entire network security infrastructure.