CVE-2015-6401 in EPC3928
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco EPC3928 devices with EDVA 5.5.10, 5.5.11, and 5.7.1 allow remote attackers to bypass an intended authentication requirement and execute unspecified administrative functions via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCux24941.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6401 affects Cisco EPC3928 devices running EDVA firmware versions 5.5.10, 5.5.11, and 5.7.1, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to execute administrative functions without proper authorization. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent the intended security controls. The vulnerability specifically manifests through crafted HTTP requests that exploit weaknesses in the authentication flow, allowing unauthorized access to administrative functionalities that should be restricted to authenticated administrators only. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the device's security model and exposes it to potential compromise by remote threat actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the device's web server component to properly validate authentication tokens or session identifiers when processing HTTP requests. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests that either contain forged authentication credentials or exploit weaknesses in the session management system to gain access to administrative interfaces. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of how weak authentication controls can lead to privilege escalation. The flaw allows attackers to execute unspecified administrative functions, which could include configuration changes, firmware updates, user management, or access to sensitive device information, all without providing valid credentials. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit this vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6401 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to assume full administrative control over affected Cisco EPC3928 devices. This level of access enables comprehensive system compromise, allowing threat actors to modify device configurations, install malicious software, monitor network traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects devices that are commonly deployed in residential gateway and customer premises equipment roles, making them potential entry points for broader network infiltration. The attack vector through HTTP requests means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet, without requiring specialized equipment or network access. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it enables unauthorized access through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6401 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Cisco to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, as the company likely released patches specifically targeting this issue. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and firewall rules to restrict access to administrative interfaces, particularly on devices exposed to untrusted networks. The implementation of network segmentation and the deployment of intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious HTTP requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper network monitoring is in place to detect unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits and network scanning should be performed to maintain visibility into device configurations and ensure that administrative interfaces are not accessible from unauthorized networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper network security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure devices.