CVE-2016-1390 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 local users to obtain root access via crafted CLI input, aka Bug ID CSCuy21892.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1390 affects Cisco Prime Network Analysis Module and Prime Virtual Network Analysis Module versions prior to specific patch releases. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that allows local attackers to gain root-level system access through carefully crafted command line interface inputs. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions 6.1.x before 6.1(1) patch.6.1-2-final and 6.2.x before 6.2(1) for both NAM and vNAM products, creating a significant security risk for network infrastructure administrators who rely on these tools for network analysis and monitoring.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the command line interface of these network analysis modules. When local users execute crafted CLI commands, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters, allowing maliciously constructed commands to bypass normal access controls and escalate privileges to root level. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which encompasses Improper Input Validation, and specifically relates to privilege escalation through command injection techniques. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper authorization checks and input sanitization mechanisms that should prevent local users from executing arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses severe risks to network security infrastructure. Local users with basic access to the system can exploit this flaw to gain complete administrative control, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could enable attackers to compromise the entire network analysis platform, potentially affecting network monitoring capabilities and exposing the underlying network infrastructure to further attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Local Privilege Escalation, and T1566, which covers Phishing, as local users might be tricked into executing malicious commands.
Organizations utilizing affected Cisco Prime NAM and vNAM versions should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant security patches released by Cisco, which address the input validation flaws in the command line interface. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, particularly around privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and privilege separation in network management systems, and organizations should review their overall security posture for similar issues in other network infrastructure components. Regular security assessments and patch management procedures should be strengthened to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future, as this flaw represents a significant risk to network infrastructure security.