CVE-2017-3843 in Prime Collaboration Assurance
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the file download functions for Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to download system files that should be restricted. More Information: CSCvc99446. Known Affected Releases: 11.5(0).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3843 resides within Cisco Prime Collaboration Assurance version 11.5(0) and represents a critical access control flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to bypass file system restrictions. This issue affects the application's file download functionality where proper authorization checks are inadequately implemented, allowing malicious actors with valid credentials to access sensitive system files that should remain protected from unauthorized retrieval. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the file handling components of the collaboration assurance platform.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal or privilege escalation vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate user requests before executing file download operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that bypass normal access controls, potentially gaining access to configuration files, system logs, database contents, or other restricted resources that contain sensitive operational data. This weakness aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-284 Improper Access Control, both of which are fundamental security principles that must be rigorously enforced in enterprise applications. The vulnerability specifically affects the file download functions that are part of the Prime Collaboration Assurance suite, which is designed to monitor and manage Cisco collaboration infrastructure including voice and video communication systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3843 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the compromised system files could contain credentials, encryption keys, network configurations, and other sensitive data that could facilitate further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially escalate their privileges within the system or use the retrieved information to conduct more sophisticated attacks against the broader network infrastructure. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that maintain these systems in production environments. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as attackers could systematically enumerate and access restricted files to understand the system architecture and identify additional attack vectors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the access control weaknesses in the file download functions. Network segmentation and monitoring of file access patterns can provide additional layers of defense by detecting anomalous download activities. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar access control flaws in other enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive operational data. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, as even authenticated users should be subject to appropriate authorization checks when accessing system resources. Security teams should also consider implementing automated tools that can detect and prevent unauthorized file access attempts, as this type of vulnerability can often be exploited without detection if proper monitoring is not in place.