CVE-2017-14330 in EXOS
Summary
by MITRE
Extreme EXOS 16.x, 21.x, and 22.x allows administrators to obtain a root shell via vectors involving a privileged process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14330 affects Extreme Networks EXOS operating systems across versions 16.x, 21.x, and 22.x, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables administrators to gain root shell access through specific vectors involving privileged processes. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the EXOS operating system, where improper access controls allow authenticated administrative users to escalate their privileges to the root level without proper authorization checks. The flaw specifically targets the privileged process execution pathways within the system, exploiting weaknesses in the privilege management framework that should normally prevent administrative accounts from obtaining unrestricted system-level access.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated administrator performs specific operations that trigger the privileged process execution flow, allowing them to bypass normal privilege boundaries and execute commands with root privileges. The underlying mechanism involves insufficient validation of process execution contexts and inadequate privilege separation between administrative functions and system-level operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation where legitimate administrative users can leverage their existing access to obtain elevated system privileges. The attack vector typically involves manipulating administrative commands or system interfaces that should normally be restricted to root-level operations but are accessible through flawed privilege validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of affected Extreme Networks switches and routers. An attacker with administrative credentials could potentially gain complete system control, including the ability to modify network configurations, access sensitive data, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability affects network security devices that serve as critical infrastructure components, making the potential damage substantial for organizations relying on Extreme Networks equipment for their network operations. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as root access enables attackers to manipulate network traffic, compromise network integrity, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network perimeter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14330 should include immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patches and firmware updates that address the privilege escalation flaw. Organizations should also enforce strict administrative access controls, implement the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts, and conduct regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review and strengthen their privileged access management policies, implement multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and maintain detailed audit logs of all administrative activities for forensic analysis. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper privilege management in network infrastructure devices, as highlighted by ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence within network environments.