CVE-2016-1408 in Prime Infrastructure
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Prime Infrastructure 1.2 through 3.1 and Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) 1.2 and 2.0 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands or upload files via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuz01488.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2022
Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Evolved Programmable Network Manager versions 1.2 through 3.1 and EPNM versions 1.2 and 2.0 contain a critical command injection vulnerability that allows authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the web application's handling of HTTP requests, specifically in the processing of parameters that are subsequently used in system command execution contexts. The flaw enables attackers who have already established valid credentials to craft malicious HTTP requests that bypass normal access controls and directly invoke operating system commands through vulnerable application interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic command injection attack vector where user-supplied input is improperly sanitized before being passed to system execution functions. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files or execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the web application process. This represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated users who may not have administrative privileges initially. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices that directly enables attackers to manipulate system commands through input fields.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network infrastructure management systems that control critical network operations. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of network services. The vulnerability affects enterprise network management systems that are typically considered high-value targets due to their privileged access to network infrastructure and their role in managing critical business operations. Network administrators who rely on these platforms for monitoring and managing network devices face significant risk, as the compromised systems can be used as launch points for lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to these management systems, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious HTTP requests. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through web interfaces. Additional protective measures include restricting administrative access through multi-factor authentication, implementing strict access control policies, and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar command injection flaws in other network management applications and ensure proper input validation across all web application interfaces to prevent similar future incidents.