CVE-2017-12263 in License Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco License Manager software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to download and view files within the application that should be restricted, aka Directory Traversal. The issue is due to improper sanitization of user-supplied input in HTTP request parameters that describe filenames. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using directory traversal techniques to submit a path to a desired file location. An exploit could allow the attacker to view application files that may contain sensitive information. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd83577.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12263 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Cisco License Manager software's web interface. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data in HTTP request parameters used for file name handling. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to process filename paths submitted by remote users, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate request parameters to access restricted files within the application's file system. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities fall under CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected within the application's restricted file structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted HTTP requests that utilize directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. Attackers can submit malicious file path parameters that navigate beyond the intended application directories and access sensitive files located in restricted areas of the file system. These requests typically involve appending traversal sequences to filename parameters, allowing attackers to move up directory levels and access files outside the application's designated boundaries. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file access, as the retrieved files may contain sensitive information including configuration data, user credentials, application source code, or other confidential materials that could be leveraged for further exploitation. This type of attack directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of files and directories, and T1566, which encompasses the exploitation of vulnerabilities for initial access.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing Cisco License Manager software, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to potentially sensitive application data without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality by allowing unauthorized file retrieval that could expose proprietary information, system configurations, or other sensitive data stored within the application's file structure. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive data is accessed and potentially exfiltrated through this vulnerability. The impact is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the web interface, meaning that attackers can exploit it remotely without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence. This remote exploit capability significantly increases the attack surface and allows for widespread exploitation across network boundaries, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams managing Cisco License Manager deployments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address the directory traversal vulnerability. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed in file path parameters. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential path traversal issues within the application, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing least privilege access controls for the application files and regularly reviewing file permissions to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and sanitization in web applications, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust parameter validation to prevent path traversal attacks.