CVE-2016-6377 in Virtual Media Package
Summary
by MITRE
Media Origination System Suite Software 2.6 and earlier in Cisco Virtual Media Packager (VMP) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and make arbitrary Platform and Applications Manager (PAM) API calls via unspecified vectors, aka Bug ID CSCuz52110.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6377 affects the Cisco Virtual Media Packager (VMP) software version 2.6 and earlier within the Media Origination System Suite. This critical authentication bypass flaw resides in the Platform and Applications Manager (PAM) API component, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing Cisco's virtual media packaging solutions. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified attack vectors that allow remote adversaries to circumvent the established authentication mechanisms, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying PAM API functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication controls within the VMP software architecture. When attackers exploit this weakness, they can execute arbitrary PAM API calls without proper authorization, effectively elevating their privileges and gaining access to sensitive operational functions. This authentication bypass represents a fundamental failure in the software's access control mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the system's core management functions from remote locations. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform potentially destructive actions through the PAM API interface. Remote attackers could manipulate media packaging processes, alter system configurations, or potentially disrupt service availability. The ability to make arbitrary API calls undermines the integrity of the entire media origination system, as it allows for unauthorized modifications to critical operational parameters and content management functions. Organizations relying on VMP for virtual media packaging operations face significant risks including data compromise, service disruption, and potential unauthorized content manipulation.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate patch management procedures, as Cisco has likely released remediation updates for affected versions. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper software updates. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor network traffic for suspicious API call patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, where adversaries leverage weak authentication controls to gain elevated system access, potentially leading to further lateral movement within compromised networks.