CVE-2014-3399 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
The SSL VPN implementation in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software 9.2(.2.4) and earlier does not properly manage session information during creation of a SharePoint handler, which allows remote authenticated users to overwrite arbitrary RAMFS cache files or inject Lua programs, and consequently cause a denial of service (portal outage or system reload), via crafted HTTP requests, aka Bug ID CSCup54208.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-3399 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software versions 9.2.2.4 and earlier, specifically affecting the SSL VPN implementation. This issue stems from improper session information management during the creation of SharePoint handler components, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to exploit the system's memory management mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the underlying RAMFS cache file system, enabling attackers to either overwrite existing cache files or inject malicious Lua programs into the system's operational environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages a design flaw in how the ASA software handles session state during SharePoint integration, where session information is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed. This mismanagement creates a condition where authenticated users can craft specific HTTP requests that target the RAMFS cache subsystem, allowing for arbitrary file overwrites or code injection operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts the portal's operational integrity by enabling attackers to manipulate critical system files that control the SSL VPN functionality, potentially leading to complete portal outages or system reloads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant threat to network security infrastructure as it allows authenticated attackers to cause denial of service conditions that can effectively shut down critical SSL VPN services. The ability to inject Lua programs into the system creates additional attack vectors beyond simple denial of service, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks that could compromise the entire ASA appliance. The vulnerability affects the fundamental operational continuity of organizations relying on Cisco ASA for secure remote access, as successful exploitation can result in complete service disruption and require system reloads to restore normal operations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1499.004 for network disruption, while the underlying flaw maps to CWE-200 Information Exposure and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest Cisco security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to SSL VPN services, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary SharePoint integration features until proper patches are applied, and conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential compromise of the affected systems.