CVE-2016-6428 in IOS XR
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco IOS XR 6.1.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary OS commands as root by leveraging admin privileges, aka Bug ID CSCva38349.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
Cisco IOS XR 6.1.1 contains a critical local privilege escalation vulnerability that enables authenticated users with admin privileges to execute arbitrary operating system commands with root-level permissions. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the network operating system's privilege management mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain elevated system access. The issue stems from improper handling of administrative privileges within the system's command execution framework, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of network infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests in the way the system processes administrative commands and manages user sessions, where administrative privileges are not properly validated or restricted during command execution. This weakness allows a local user with admin credentials to leverage their existing access to escalate privileges to root level without additional authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability specifically affects the command processing subsystem within the IOS XR operating system, where administrative commands are executed with elevated privileges but without proper privilege verification mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, as the system fails to properly enforce access controls between different privilege levels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for network infrastructure security, as it provides attackers with complete system control over affected routers and network devices. Once exploited, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, network disruption, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Cisco IOS XR 6.1.1 for their network infrastructure, particularly those with multiple administrative accounts or devices that require administrative access for routine operations. This flaw can be exploited by both internal malicious actors and external attackers who have gained administrative access through other means, making it a critical concern for network security posture.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the relevant Cisco security patches and updates, reviewing and restricting administrative access to network devices, and implementing strict access control policies for administrative accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of administrative credentials to gain root access. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for administrative accounts and maintaining detailed audit logs of administrative activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security awareness training for network administrators are essential to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws in network infrastructure operating systems.