CVE-2014-7994 in Meraki
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco-Meraki MS, MR, and MX devices with firmware before 2014-09-24 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by leveraging knowledge of a cross-device secret and a per-device secret, and sending a request to an unspecified HTTP handler on the local network, aka Cisco-Meraki defect ID 00301991.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7994 affects Cisco Meraki network devices including MS switches, MR wireless access points, and MX security appliances. This critical security flaw stems from improper authentication mechanisms within the device firmware, specifically in versions prior to the 2014-09-24 release. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that combines knowledge of both cross-device secrets and per-device secrets, creating a pathway for remote code execution without requiring traditional authentication credentials. The attack exploits an unspecified HTTP handler accessible within the local network, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the device's authentication framework that allows an attacker to craft specially formatted HTTP requests containing valid secret values. The cross-device secret provides a mechanism to authenticate across multiple devices within the same network segment, while the per-device secret ensures individual device validation. When combined, these secrets enable an attacker to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain unauthorized access to the device's command execution capabilities. This flaw falls under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically improper authorization in the context of authentication tokens and secrets. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient authentication strength and the dangerous practice of relying on secrets that are not properly protected or rotated.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-7994 is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing Cisco Meraki devices. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected network infrastructure, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical business operations. The vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in critical network segments where they control traffic flow, wireless access, and security policies. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, intercept traffic, or use the compromised devices as launch points for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021 for remote services, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network devices serve as critical infrastructure components.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 2014-09-24 or later, which address the authentication weaknesses and properly secure the HTTP handlers. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, while implementing monitoring for unusual HTTP traffic patterns on the local network. Regular security assessments should verify that device secrets are properly managed and rotated, and that no unauthorized access has occurred. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper network access controls as recommended in NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's attack vector relies on legitimate HTTP protocols that may not immediately trigger traditional security alerts.