CVE-2015-4282 in Mobility Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Mobility Services Engine (MSE) through 8.0.120.7 uses weak permissions for unspecified binary files, which allows local users to obtain root privileges by writing to a file, aka Bug ID CSCuv40504.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2022
The Cisco Mobility Services Engine represents a critical infrastructure component designed to manage wireless network mobility services within enterprise environments. This system serves as a central hub for wireless LAN controllers and provides essential services including location tracking, wireless access point management, and mobility services for wireless clients. The MSE operates with elevated privileges and maintains various binary files that control core system functions. When vulnerabilities exist in file permission configurations, they can create pathways for privilege escalation attacks that compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-4282 specifically targets weak file permissions within the MSE software ecosystem. This weakness manifests in unspecified binary files that should normally be protected from unauthorized modification. The flaw allows local users who have access to the system to write to these critical files, effectively providing them with the ability to modify system binaries that control core operations. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue that can be exploited through file system manipulation rather than network-based attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-276 category of insecure file permissions, which directly enables unauthorized modification of system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple local privilege escalation. When an attacker successfully exploits this weakness, they gain root privileges that provide complete control over the MSE system. This access level allows for comprehensive system compromise including the ability to modify network configurations, disable security features, install malicious software, and potentially use the MSE as a pivot point to attack other network components. The vulnerability affects MSE versions through 8.0.120.7, indicating a widespread issue that would impact numerous enterprise deployments. The bug ID CSCuv40504 references Cisco's internal tracking system for this specific vulnerability, highlighting that it was recognized as a significant security concern requiring immediate attention.
Organizations utilizing Cisco MSE systems face substantial risk when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as it provides a straightforward path to complete system compromise. The local user requirement means that attackers would need initial access to the system, but this access could be gained through various means including legitimate administrative credentials, compromised accounts, or other initial attack vectors. Once the privilege escalation is achieved, attackers can manipulate the wireless network infrastructure to their advantage, potentially disrupting services, monitoring network traffic, or creating backdoors for persistent access. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and represents a critical weakness in the system's defense-in-depth strategy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching and system hardening measures. Cisco released security updates addressing this specific issue, and organizations should implement these patches as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of exploitation. System administrators should also conduct thorough permission reviews to ensure that no other binary files within the MSE environment contain similar weaknesses. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that file permissions follow security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper file system permissions and highlights the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure components. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security training for system administrators can help prevent unauthorized access that could lead to exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.