CVE-2015-0773 in FireSIGHT System Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco FireSIGHT System Software 5.3.1.3 and 6.0.0 allows remote authenticated users to delete an arbitrary user's dashboard via a modified VPN deletion request in a management session, aka Bug ID CSCut67078.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0773 affects Cisco FireSIGHT System Software versions 5.3.1.3 and 6.0.0, representing a critical authorization flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to manipulate user dashboard configurations. This vulnerability resides within the management session handling mechanisms of the FireSIGHT system, which is designed to provide network security monitoring and threat prevention capabilities. The flaw specifically manifests when processing VPN deletion requests within management sessions, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through unauthorized dashboard manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the FireSIGHT management interface. Attackers who have authenticated access to the system can exploit this weakness by crafting modified VPN deletion requests that target arbitrary user dashboards. This modification allows them to delete or remove dashboard configurations belonging to other users without proper authorization, effectively bypassing the intended user isolation and access control policies. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the existing authenticated session to perform unauthorized administrative actions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0773 extends beyond simple dashboard deletion, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the system's user management and access control mechanisms. An attacker with valid credentials can compromise multiple user accounts by removing their dashboard configurations, potentially disrupting workflow and access to critical security information. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of user-specific security dashboards, which are essential for monitoring network threats and system status. The ability to delete arbitrary user dashboards also creates potential for information disruption and can hinder incident response capabilities, as users may lose access to their configured monitoring views.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with elevated privileges. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in the FireSIGHT system's session management and access control implementation. Organizations utilizing this software face potential risks including unauthorized access to sensitive dashboard configurations, disruption of security monitoring workflows, and possible escalation to more severe privilege-related attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for network security environments where remote access is common.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control measures within the management session handling components. Organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by Cisco to address this vulnerability, as the company has released updates specifically targeting the identified flaw. Network segmentation and monitoring of management sessions can help detect anomalous activity related to dashboard modifications. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for management access and regular audit of user dashboard configurations can help minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing new operational issues.