CVE-2015-6344 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
The web-based GUI in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) CX Context-Aware Security 9.3(4.1.11) allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions and obtain sensitive user information via an unspecified HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuv74105.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6344 resides within the web-based graphical user interface of Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) CX Context-Aware Security version 9.3(4.1.11). This security flaw represents a critical access control bypass issue that affects the device's authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing malicious actors to circumvent intended security restrictions. The vulnerability specifically manifests through an unspecified HTTP request that enables remote authenticated users to access sensitive user information that should otherwise be restricted. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, which encompasses weaknesses where systems fail to properly enforce access restrictions, allowing unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the web-based management interface of the ASA CX appliance, which serves as the primary administrative portal for configuring and monitoring security policies. When authenticated users make specific HTTP requests, the system fails to properly validate the access permissions associated with those requests, creating a pathway for information disclosure. The flaw operates at the application layer where the web interface processes user requests, suggesting that the authentication and authorization logic contains a critical gap in its validation procedures. This allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to escalate their privileges or access data that should be restricted based on their role or permissions. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where users can access resources beyond their designated access levels.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6344 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security architecture of the ASA CX appliance. Remote authenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain sensitive user information, potentially including administrative credentials, system configurations, user account details, and other confidential data that could be used for further exploitation. This weakness creates an attack surface that could lead to complete system compromise, as the leaked information might reveal internal network structures, security policies, or authentication mechanisms that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the security appliance, undermining the trust model that organizations rely upon for network protection. The attack vector being remote and authenticated means that adversaries do not require physical access or specialized equipment to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where the appliance serves as a critical security control.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates that address the access control bypass issue. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual HTTP request patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The principle of defense in depth should be applied by implementing additional access controls and limiting the scope of administrative privileges. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their ASA CX configurations to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers might use compromised accounts to exploit this weakness, while T1003 (OS Credential Dumping) could follow if credential information is obtained through the information disclosure. The vulnerability also aligns with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's Protect function, specifically focusing on access control and information protection measures. Regular vulnerability assessments and security testing should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other network security devices and applications that may be susceptible to similar access control bypass techniques.