CVE-2017-12317 in AMP
Summary
by MITRE
The Cisco AMP For Endpoints application allows an authenticated, local attacker to access a static key value stored in the local application software. The vulnerability is due to the use of a static key value stored in the application used to encrypt the connector protection password. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by gaining local, administrative access to a Windows host and stopping the Cisco AMP for Endpoints service. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvg42904.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12317 resides within the Cisco AMP for Endpoints application, a security solution designed to protect endpoints from various cyber threats. This particular flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's cryptographic implementation, specifically affecting the Windows operating system environment where the software is deployed. The vulnerability manifests as a static key value that is hardcoded within the application's local software components, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with local administrative privileges.
The technical flaw stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic practices within the application's connector protection mechanism. The static key value serves as the encryption parameter for protecting sensitive password information, but its hardcoded nature means that any individual who gains local administrative access to a Windows host can potentially extract this key from the application's memory or configuration files. This represents a fundamental violation of security best practices, as the key value remains constant across all installations and cannot be dynamically generated or rotated, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability specifically requires an authenticated local attacker with administrative privileges to execute the exploitation, but the impact is severe due to the nature of the exposed cryptographic key.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running Cisco AMP for Endpoints. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can decrypt the connector protection passwords, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the security infrastructure and compromising the integrity of the endpoint protection system. This weakness creates a potential attack vector for lateral movement within a network, as the compromised credentials could be used to access other systems or escalate privileges. The vulnerability also impacts the application's ability to provide effective protection, as the encryption mechanism that should safeguard sensitive data becomes ineffective due to the static key exposure. This represents a significant concern for organizations relying on the application for endpoint security, as it creates a backdoor that can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from system administrators to address the hardcoded cryptographic key issue. The most effective approach involves applying the official security patches provided by Cisco, which would typically include updating the application to use dynamically generated keys or implementing proper key management practices. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as privileged access management solutions, enhanced monitoring of system processes, and regular security assessments to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms and improper key management practices, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage the exposed key to gain unauthorized access to protected system components and potentially escalate their privileges within the network environment.