CVE-2014-7995 in Meraki
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco-Meraki MS, MR, and MX devices with firmware before 2014-09-24 allow physically proximate attackers to obtain shell access by opening a device s case and connecting a cable to a serial port, aka Cisco-Meraki defect ID 00302077.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2018
This vulnerability affects Cisco Meraki network devices including MS switches, MR wireless access points, and MX security appliances running firmware versions prior to 2014-09-24. The flaw represents a critical physical security weakness that allows attackers with physical access to gain unauthorized shell access to affected devices through a straightforward method involving hardware manipulation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient physical security controls that fail to prevent unauthorized access to the device's serial console port, which serves as a direct entry point for system-level commands and administrative functions. This represents a fundamental failure in device design that violates basic security principles of defense in depth and physical access control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the attacker physically opening the device casing and connecting a serial cable to the exposed serial port, which provides immediate access to the device's command shell without requiring authentication credentials or network connectivity. This attack vector bypasses all network-based security controls and authentication mechanisms, as the serial console operates independently of the device's normal network interfaces and security policies. The vulnerability is classified as a physical attack vector that falls under the broader category of hardware-based security flaws, specifically related to inadequate physical security measures that should prevent unauthorized physical access to critical system components.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations relying on Cisco Meraki devices for network infrastructure protection. An attacker with physical proximity can execute arbitrary commands, modify device configurations, potentially gain access to network traffic, and compromise the entire network segment controlled by the affected device. The attack requires minimal technical skill and no specialized tools beyond basic hardware manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for environments where physical security controls are inadequate. This vulnerability essentially renders the device's network security features ineffective against determined attackers who can physically access the hardware, as demonstrated by the potential for complete system compromise through the serial console access.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-257, which addresses the storage of sensitive information in a way that makes it accessible to unauthorized users, and represents a failure in secure device design and physical security implementation. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1018, which covers "Remote System Discovery" and T1059, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as the attacker can directly execute commands through the serial console without needing to establish network connections. Organizations should immediately update all affected Meraki devices to firmware version 2014-09-24 or later, which includes physical security enhancements that prevent unauthorized access to the serial console port. Additional mitigations include implementing strict physical access controls, securing device locations, and monitoring for unauthorized physical access attempts to network infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of considering physical security controls in network device design and deployment, particularly for edge devices that may be exposed to unsecured physical environments.