CVE-2016-6420 in FireSIGHT
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco FireSIGHT System Software 4.10.3 through 5.4.0 in Firepower Management Center allows remote authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and gain privileges via a crafted HTTP request, aka Bug ID CSCur25467.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6420 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within Cisco FireSIGHT System Software versions 4.10.3 through 5.4.0 operating within the Firepower Management Center environment. This vulnerability exposes the system to remote authenticated attackers who can manipulate HTTP requests to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control mechanisms within the web-based management interface, allowing malicious actors to craft specific HTTP requests that circumvent the intended authorization checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely deployed network security management platform, potentially enabling attackers to assume elevated privileges without proper authentication. The issue is catalogued under CWE-285 which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles that govern access control mechanisms. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network security operations by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters within the Firepower Management Center's web interface. Attackers can construct specially crafted requests that exploit weaknesses in the authorization validation logic, effectively bypassing the normal authentication flow required to access administrative functions. The flaw likely resides in how the system processes and validates user permissions when handling HTTP requests, potentially failing to properly verify user credentials or role-based access controls before granting access to sensitive administrative features. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it enables attackers to modify security policies, configure network rules, and potentially gain complete control over the managed firewalls and network security appliances. The vulnerability affects the core management capabilities of the Firepower system, undermining the security posture of organizations relying on Cisco's network security infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing affected Cisco FireSIGHT versions face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized network modifications, and complete compromise of their network security controls. The remote nature of the vulnerability means attackers can exploit it from outside the organization's network perimeter, making detection and prevention more challenging. Security administrators may find themselves unable to trust the integrity of their network security management interface, as legitimate users could be bypassed by malicious actors. The vulnerability undermines the trust model of the Firepower Management Center, potentially allowing attackers to modify firewall rules, disable security features, or exfiltrate sensitive network information. This type of privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network security management systems are central to protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The impact on business operations could be severe, including compliance violations, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer confidence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6420 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Cisco, specifically targeting the FireSIGHT System Software versions affected by the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the Firepower Management Center and restrict administrative access to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter HTTP requests, enabling comprehensive logging and monitoring of administrative activities, and conducting regular security assessments of the management interface. Network administrators should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access, disabling unnecessary administrative services, and regularly reviewing user access permissions to ensure least privilege principles are maintained. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, reinforcing the need for security practices aligned with industry standards such as those defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing privilege escalation vulnerabilities and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to detect potential exploitation attempts.