CVE-2015-0767 in Edge 300
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Edge 300 software 1.0 and 1.1 on Edge 340 devices allows local users to obtain root privileges via unspecified commands, aka Bug ID CSCur18132.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0767 affects Cisco Edge 300 software versions 1.0 and 1.1 running on Edge 340 devices, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that enables unauthorized users to gain root-level access to affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of local privilege escalation attacks where an attacker with limited user access can exploit weaknesses in the system's command execution mechanisms to elevate their privileges to the highest administrative level. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects network infrastructure devices that serve as critical points of control within enterprise networks, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire network segments if they can establish a foothold on these devices.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified commands that are improperly handled within the Cisco Edge 300 software implementation, creating opportunities for privilege escalation through malformed or specially crafted inputs. This type of vulnerability typically arises when the software fails to properly validate or sanitize command inputs before executing them with elevated privileges, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious commands that are then executed with root permissions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation" and CWE-78, which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command," both of which are common in privilege escalation scenarios involving command execution. The specific nature of the unspecified commands suggests that the vulnerability may be related to how the system processes user inputs within its command-line interface or administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected network devices, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, intercept traffic, create backdoors, or disable security features. Network administrators face significant risk when such vulnerabilities exist in their core infrastructure devices, as these systems often serve as gateways between different network segments and may control critical routing and switching functions. The vulnerability's presence on Edge 340 devices, which are typically deployed in enterprise environments, means that successful exploitation could lead to widespread network compromise, particularly if multiple devices in the same network share similar software versions. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a valuable entry point for lateral movement within networks, as it provides a persistent backdoor that can be used to maintain access and expand control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0767 should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Cisco to address the privilege escalation vulnerability. Organizations must prioritize patch management procedures to ensure that all affected Edge 340 devices are updated with the latest firmware releases that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local user access to these devices, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1566, which addresses "Phishing for Information," as attackers may need to first gain initial access before exploiting this privilege escalation flaw. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts to these critical devices, and security teams should implement robust change management processes to track and control access to network infrastructure equipment.