CVE-2014-8029 in Secure Access Control Server
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the web interface in Cisco Secure Access Control System (ACS) allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via an unspecified parameter, aka Bug ID CSCuq74150.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2017
The CVE-2014-8029 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within Cisco Secure Access Control System ACS web interface, exposing organizations to sophisticated social engineering attacks. This vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of Cisco ACS, which serves as a central authentication server for network access control. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters during web navigation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate redirect URLs through unspecified parameters within the authentication flow. The vulnerability impacts Cisco ACS versions prior to 5.2.0.31, making it particularly dangerous as it affects a widely deployed network access control solution that manages authentication for numerous network devices and users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in input validation and output encoding practices within the web application layer of Cisco ACS. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing crafted redirect parameters that bypass the system's validation checks, enabling them to redirect authenticated users to attacker-controlled websites. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any user interacting with the vulnerable system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability category, which specifically addresses cases where applications redirect users to external sites without proper validation. The attack vector typically involves phishing campaigns where users are tricked into clicking malicious links that redirect them to credential harvesting sites, while appearing to be legitimate navigation within the network management system.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8029 extends beyond simple redirection, creating significant risks for enterprise network security and user trust. Organizations utilizing Cisco ACS for network access control face potential credential theft, as users may be redirected to phishing sites during legitimate authentication processes. The vulnerability undermines the trust relationship between users and the authentication system, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to network resources. Network administrators may find their security posture weakened as users become targets for credential harvesting attacks, particularly in environments where ACS manages access for multiple network segments. This vulnerability can be exploited in conjunction with other attack techniques, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 Phishing and T1071.1001 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, creating a multi-stage attack vector that can lead to broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8029 require immediate implementation of Cisco's official security patches and updates, specifically targeting the affected ACS versions. Organizations should deploy network segmentation and monitoring controls to detect anomalous redirect behaviors within their authentication systems, implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious URL patterns. Network administrators must conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of Cisco ACS are updated and patched, while also reviewing access controls and authentication policies to minimize potential impact. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious redirect attempts. Security teams should also implement user awareness training programs to educate personnel about recognizing phishing attempts and suspicious redirects, as the vulnerability relies heavily on social engineering elements to achieve successful exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader network infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.