CVE-2016-9215 in IOS XR
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to log in to the device with the privileges of the root user. More Information: CSCva38434. Known Affected Releases: 6.1.1.BASE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2019
This vulnerability exists within Cisco IOS XR Software version 6.1.1.BASE and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that allows authenticated local attackers to gain root-level access to affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the software's authentication mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes user credentials and privilege levels during the login process. An attacker who already possesses valid user credentials for the device can exploit this weakness to elevate their privileges from a standard user account to the root administrative level without requiring additional authentication factors.
The technical flaw manifests in the software's insufficient validation of privilege levels during the authentication sequence, creating a path where malicious input or manipulation of authentication parameters can bypass normal access controls. This weakness falls under the CWE-264 category of "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls" and represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that undermines the fundamental security model of the operating system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication credentials, meaning that anyone with legitimate user access to the device can potentially exploit this flaw to gain full administrative control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for network infrastructure security. Once an attacker achieves root privileges, they can modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The affected Cisco IOS XR Software version 6.1.1.BASE represents a significant portion of enterprise network equipment that could be at risk, particularly in environments where administrative access is granted to multiple users or where user accounts are not properly secured. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and can enable further lateral movement throughout the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate deployment of Cisco's security patches and updates that address this specific privilege escalation flaw. Network administrators should implement strict access control policies, ensuring that only essential personnel have local access to critical network equipment, and that all user accounts are properly managed with appropriate privilege levels. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromised device, monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activity, and maintaining comprehensive network access control policies that align with zero-trust security principles. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential privilege escalation vectors within their network infrastructure and ensure that all Cisco IOS XR devices are updated to supported versions that contain the necessary security fixes.