CVE-2014-3391 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Cisco ASA Software 8.x before 8.4(3), 8.5, and 8.7 before 8.7(1.13) allows local users to gain privileges by placing a Trojan horse library file in external memory, leading to library use after device reload because of an incorrect LD_LIBRARY_PATH value, aka Bug ID CSCtq52661.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3391 represents a critical untrusted search path issue affecting Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance software versions prior to specific patches. This flaw resides in the handling of dynamic library loading mechanisms within the ASA software ecosystem, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions 8.x before 8.4(3), 8.5 releases, and 8.7 before 8.7(1.13), indicating a prolonged period during which this security gap remained unaddressed. The root cause of this vulnerability stems from an improper LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable configuration that allows the system to load libraries from unintended locations, effectively creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted Trojan horse library file placement within external memory storage systems. When the affected Cisco ASA device undergoes a reload operation, the system's library loading mechanism attempts to resolve dynamic library dependencies using the compromised LD_LIBRARY_PATH value. This misconfiguration causes the system to prioritize and load malicious library files from external locations rather than legitimate system libraries, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-427 indicates an uncontrolled search path issue where the application's library search path contains a path that is not properly validated or restricted, allowing attackers to influence the program's execution flow through malicious library injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to critical network security infrastructure. Once successfully exploited, local users can leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire network security appliance. The timing of the exploitation through device reload creates a particularly concerning scenario where attackers can establish persistence by placing malicious libraries in locations that will be loaded during normal system operations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1055 which covers process injection and library loading manipulation, making it a significant concern for network security administrators managing Cisco ASA deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3391 primarily focus on applying the vendor-provided security patches that address the LD_LIBRARY_PATH configuration issues within the affected Cisco ASA software versions. Network administrators should prioritize upgrading to patched versions including 8.4(3) for version 8.x, 8.5 releases, and 8.7(1.13) for version 8.7 systems. Additionally, implementing proper library path restrictions and monitoring external memory storage for unauthorized library placements can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper environment variable handling within network security appliances, particularly when dealing with dynamic library loading mechanisms that could be manipulated by local users. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their ASA deployments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized local access to these critical security devices.