CVE-2016-1359 in Prime Infrastructure
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Prime Infrastructure 3.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted HTTP request that is mishandled during viewing of a log file, aka Bug ID CSCuw81494.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
Cisco Prime Infrastructure version 3.0 contains a critical remote code execution vulnerability that affects authenticated users who can craft malicious HTTP requests. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of log file viewing functionality within the web-based management interface. When a specially crafted HTTP request is sent to the affected system, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data before processing it as part of log file content. The flaw occurs during the rendering or display of log entries, where the system attempts to parse user-supplied data without adequate security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-74 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and CWE-94 which covers improper control of generation of code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has already gained valid credentials can escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system with the privileges of the web application. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Cisco Prime Infrastructure for network management, as it could allow attackers to gain complete control over network infrastructure components. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate log viewing functionality that administrators regularly use, making the malicious behavior less detectable by standard security monitoring systems. The vulnerability impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network management system, potentially allowing attackers to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt network operations. Organizations using this version of Cisco Prime Infrastructure should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant security patches, restricting network access to the management interface, and implementing network segmentation controls to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This issue highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data in contexts where it may be rendered or executed within the application environment. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly benign functionality like log viewing can become a critical security weakness when proper security controls are not implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging controls to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around authenticated HTTP requests that contain unusual parameters or payloads. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a widely deployed network management platform, potentially exposing numerous enterprise networks to compromise.