CVE-2016-1388 in Prime Network Analysis Module
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Prime Network Analysis Module (NAM) before 6.1(1) patch.6.1-2-final and 6.2.x before 6.2(1) and Prime Virtual Network Analysis Module (vNAM) before 6.1(1) patch.6.1-2-final and 6.2.x before 6.2(1) allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuy21882.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1388 affects Cisco Prime Network Analysis Module (NAM) and Prime Virtual Network Analysis Module (vNAM) products across multiple version ranges. This critical security flaw resides in the web-based management interface of these network analysis tools, which are designed to provide network monitoring and analysis capabilities for enterprise networks. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 6.1(1) patch.6.1-2-final and 6.2.x versions before 6.2(1), making a significant portion of Cisco's network analysis portfolio susceptible to exploitation by remote attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the HTTP request processing mechanism of the affected Cisco products. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests that contain specially formatted command sequences which bypass normal input sanitization checks. When the vulnerable system processes these crafted requests, it executes the embedded operating system commands with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated permissions. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, effectively providing them with remote control over the affected network analysis modules.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected NAM and vNAM devices, enabling them to execute arbitrary operating system commands, modify network configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised devices as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of network monitoring systems, which are typically deployed in critical network segments, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. Organizations relying on these tools for network analysis and monitoring face significant risk of data breaches, network disruption, and potential lateral movement by attackers who can leverage the compromised systems to target other network assets.
Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software patches and updates released as part of the 6.1(1) and 6.2(1) versions of the affected products. Organizations should immediately assess their deployment of NAM and vNAM systems to identify affected versions and apply the appropriate security patches. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes command injection flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of operating system commands. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and monitoring controls to detect anomalous HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining strict access controls and regular security assessments of network management interfaces.