CVE-2016-1385 in ASA
Summary
by MITRE
The XML parser in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) Software through 9.5.2 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (instability, memory consumption, or device reload) by leveraging (1) administrative access or (2) Clientless SSL VPN access to provide a crafted XML document, aka Bug ID CSCut14209.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1385 affects Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) software versions through 9.5.2, representing a critical denial of service flaw within the XML parsing functionality. This vulnerability exists in the ASA software's handling of XML documents and can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers who possess either administrative privileges or clientless ssl vpn access to the device. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes crafted xml documents, leading to system instability and potential device reloads that can disrupt network security operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the xml parser component of the ASA software, which fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming xml data structures. When a maliciously crafted xml document is processed, the parser consumes excessive memory resources and can trigger system instability that ultimately results in device reloads. This behavior aligns with common software vulnerabilities classified under cwe-129, which deals with insufficient validation of array index values, and cwe-772, which addresses missing release of resource after effective lifetime. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of memory corruption and resource exhaustion attacks that are frequently categorized under the attack pattern taxonomy as described in the attack tree framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1385 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise network security infrastructure integrity. Organizations relying on cisco asa appliances for their security operations face significant risk when this vulnerability is exploited, as device reloads can result in temporary loss of network traffic inspection capabilities and security policy enforcement. The vulnerability affects both administrative and clientless ssl vpn access vectors, broadening the potential attack surface and increasing the likelihood of exploitation. This makes it particularly dangerous for organizations where multiple administrative access points exist or where clientless vpn functionality is extensively used for remote access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1385 should prioritize immediate patching of affected cisco asa software versions to 9.6 or later, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect unusual memory consumption patterns or device restart events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Access controls should be strictly enforced to limit administrative privileges and vpn access to only authorized personnel, reducing the potential attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on suspicious xml traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource management in security appliances, as outlined in security best practices for network infrastructure devices and aligns with industry standards for secure coding practices and vulnerability management protocols.