CVE-2016-9199 in IOS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Cisco application-hosting framework (CAF) of Cisco IOx could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to read arbitrary files on a targeted system. Affected Products: This vulnerability affects specific releases of the Cisco IOx subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. More Information: CSCvb23331. Known Affected Releases: 15.2(6.0.57i)E CAF-1.1.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9199 resides within Cisco's application-hosting framework known as Cisco Application Framework or CAF, which is integrated into the Cisco IOx subsystem of Cisco IOS and IOS XE Software. This framework enables the deployment and management of applications on Cisco network devices, creating a bridge between traditional networking infrastructure and application hosting capabilities. The flaw specifically impacts the file access controls implemented within this framework, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability affects the specific release 15.2(6.0.57i)E with CAF-1.1.0.0, indicating a targeted issue within a particular software version that was part of Cisco's network operating system lineage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the CAF framework. An authenticated attacker who has gained access to the targeted system can exploit this flaw to read arbitrary files that should normally be restricted to authorized users only. This represents a privilege escalation issue where the attacker's authenticated session can be leveraged to bypass normal file system access controls. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the IOx framework, where the system fails to properly validate file paths or restrict access to sensitive system files that may contain configuration data, credentials, or other confidential information. This flaw falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as defined by CWE-639, where the application provides direct access to objects based on user-supplied input without proper authorization checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9199 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive operational data that could be used for further exploitation. Attackers could access system configuration files, application data, or other sensitive information that might reveal network topology, device configurations, or even authentication credentials. The remote nature of the attack means that an authenticated user could potentially exploit this vulnerability from outside the local network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This vulnerability also aligns with the ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation by leveraging existing authenticated sessions to gain access to restricted resources. The impact is significant because it undermines the fundamental security model of the IOx framework, potentially allowing attackers to gather intelligence about the network infrastructure and plan more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Cisco to address the specific flaw in the CAF framework. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to systems running affected versions of Cisco IOx. The patching process should be prioritized as part of routine security maintenance, with particular attention to the specific release 15.2(6.0.57i)E where the vulnerability was identified. Additional security controls such as monitoring for unusual file access patterns, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of network device configurations can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control measures that limit the ability of authenticated users to perform arbitrary file reads, as well as establishing proper incident response procedures to quickly address any potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process should include verification that the patched software properly enforces access controls and that no unauthorized file access can occur through the CAF framework.