CVE-2016-6453 in Identity Services Engine
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework code of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database. More Information: CSCva46542. Known Affected Releases: 1.3(0.876).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6453 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Cisco Identity Services Engine version 1.3(0.876) and potentially other affected releases. This weakness exists in the web framework code that processes user input, creating an avenue for authenticated remote attackers to manipulate database queries through specially crafted inputs. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL command structures. The affected Cisco ISE platform operates as a network access control solution that manages authentication and authorization policies across enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its services.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated attacker leverages the web interface to submit malicious input that bypasses normal input validation checks. The web framework code fails to implement proper parameterized queries or input sanitization techniques, allowing attacker-controlled data to be directly concatenated into SQL statements. This design flaw enables the execution of arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability is classified as a classic SQL injection attack pattern that aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can facilitate broader system infiltration and persistence within enterprise environments. An authenticated attacker with access to the ISE web interface can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data, user credentials, and network access policies stored in the database. The implications are particularly severe given that ISE serves as a central authentication and authorization point for network access control, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to critical network resources. This vulnerability can be exploited to manipulate access control lists, create backdoor accounts, or exfiltrate confidential information from the network infrastructure. The attack vector requires only network access and valid authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed remotely without physical access to the system.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address this vulnerability. The remediation process should involve updating the ISE software to versions that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the exposure of the ISE web interface to only authorized administrative users. Implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of database access permissions and implement principle of least privilege controls to minimize the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which addresses network service scanning that may precede such attacks.