CVE-2016-1477 in Connected Streaming Analytics
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Connected Streaming Analytics 1.1.1 allows remote authenticated users to discover a notification service password by reading administrative pages, aka Bug ID CSCuz92891.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2019
Cisco Connected Streaming Analytics version 1.1.1 contains a security vulnerability that enables remote authenticated attackers to extract notification service passwords through administrative page access. This flaw resides in the application's handling of administrative interfaces where sensitive credential information is exposed without proper authorization controls. The vulnerability specifically affects the notification service component which manages alert and messaging functionalities within the streaming analytics platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the administrative web interface. When authenticated users navigate to specific administrative pages, the system inadvertently reveals password credentials for the notification service through improperly secured data retrieval processes. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks and sensitive data exposure, aligning with CWE-200 which addresses information exposure vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates poor security design principles where administrative functions fail to properly isolate and protect sensitive configuration data from unauthorized access.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure as it provides attackers with potential access to notification services that may be used for system monitoring, alerting, and communication functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain insights into system operations, potentially enabling further attacks or compromising the integrity of the notification infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments. This weakness could facilitate privilege escalation attacks or serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated exploitation techniques.
Organizations using Cisco Connected Streaming Analytics 1.1.1 should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco, reviewing administrative access controls, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of administrative interfaces and implement monitoring for suspicious access patterns to administrative pages. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the system.