CVE-2016-1463 in FireSIGHT System Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco FireSIGHT System Software 5.3.0, 5.3.1, 5.4.0, 6.0, and 6.0.1 allows remote attackers to bypass Snort rules via crafted parameters in the header of an HTTP packet, aka Bug ID CSCuz20737.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1463 affects Cisco FireSIGHT System Software versions 5.3.0 through 6.0.1, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of network intrusion prevention systems. This issue resides within the Snort rule enforcement mechanisms that are fundamental to the FireSIGHT platform's ability to detect and block malicious network traffic. The vulnerability specifically targets the HTTP packet header processing functionality where crafted parameters can manipulate the rule evaluation process, potentially allowing attackers to evade detection of malicious activities that would normally be flagged by the system's security policies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of HTTP header parameters within the FireSIGHT system's packet inspection engine. When processing HTTP traffic, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize specific header fields that contain crafted parameter values, enabling an attacker to manipulate the parsing logic in a way that bypasses the intended Snort rule enforcement. This flaw operates at the application layer of network security, specifically targeting the protocol analysis capabilities that are critical for maintaining network security posture. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access to the network and the ability to craft HTTP packets with specific parameter structures that trigger the parsing inconsistency.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple bypass of security rules, as it represents a critical weakness in the network defense infrastructure that could allow persistent threat actors to evade detection for extended periods. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deliver malware, exfiltrate data, or establish command and control communications without triggering alerts that would normally be generated by the FireSIGHT system. This weakness particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on FireSIGHT for network protection, as it essentially provides a backdoor that allows malicious traffic to flow through the network undetected. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of the software increases the attack surface significantly, affecting organizations with various deployment scenarios across different FireSIGHT system configurations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations that include applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco, which address the specific header parameter validation issue. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the bypassed security rules may not generate the expected alerts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol, highlighting the need for robust protocol validation and parsing mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct thorough network assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network segmentation strategies to limit the impact of potential breaches. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that patch deployment does not disrupt existing network operations while maintaining the integrity of the security infrastructure.