CVE-2016-6374 in Cloud Services Platform 2100
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco Cloud Services Platform (CSP) 2100 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted dnslookup command in an HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCuz89093.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2022
The Cisco Cloud Services Platform CSP 2100 version 2.0 contains a critical remote code execution vulnerability that stems from improper input validation within the dnslookup command processing functionality. This flaw exists in the web-based management interface where the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before executing system commands. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted dnslookup commands that bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the platform's handling of DNS lookup requests through its web interface. When a user submits a dnslookup command via HTTP request parameters, the system does not adequately validate or escape the input before passing it to underlying system functions. This creates a classic command injection scenario where attacker-controlled data flows directly into system command execution contexts. The vulnerability specifically affects the HTTP request processing module that handles DNS resolution requests, making it accessible over the network without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to cloud service infrastructure as it allows remote attackers to gain complete control over the affected CSP 2100 devices. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects organizations using Cisco Cloud Services Platform 2100 version 2.0 deployments, particularly those with exposed management interfaces or insufficient network segmentation controls. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability is accessible over standard HTTP ports and does not require specialized tools or conditions to exploit.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by Cisco, which address the input validation flaws in the dnslookup command processing. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected management interfaces to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious HTTP requests containing suspicious command injection patterns, and monitoring network traffic for unusual dnslookup command usage. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code execution flaws, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1105 for remote file execution. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues across the entire network infrastructure.