CVE-2017-3852 in IOx
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Cisco application-hosting framework (CAF) component of the Cisco IOx application environment could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to write or modify arbitrary files in the virtual instance running on the affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of user-supplied application packages. An attacker who can upload a malicious package within Cisco IOx could exploit the vulnerability to modify arbitrary files. The impacts of a successful exploit are limited to the scope of the virtual instance and do not impact the router that is hosting Cisco IOx. Cisco IOx Releases 1.0.0.0 and 1.1.0.0 are vulnerable. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuy52317.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3852 resides within the Cisco application-hosting framework component known as the Cisco Application Framework CAF within the Cisco IOx environment. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables authenticated remote attackers to manipulate file systems within virtual instances running on affected Cisco devices. The vulnerability specifically affects Cisco IOx releases 1.0.0.0 and 1.1.0.0, making these versions susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors who can authenticate to the system. The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that process user-supplied application packages, creating an attack vector where malicious payloads can be uploaded and subsequently executed to modify or write arbitrary files within the virtualized environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of application package uploads within the Cisco IOx framework, where insufficient validation allows attackers to craft malicious packages that bypass normal security controls. This flaw directly relates to CWE-20, which describes insufficient input validation, and represents a path to privilege escalation and persistent access within the virtual instance boundaries. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the file system of the virtual instance, potentially leading to data corruption, privilege escalation, or the installation of malicious software within the confined execution environment. The vulnerability's impact is constrained to the scope of the virtual instance hosting the Cisco IOx applications, meaning that while the attack surface is limited, the potential for damage within that confined environment remains significant. The Cisco Bug ID CSCuy52317 documents this specific weakness in the input validation process of the application hosting framework.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3852 extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise the integrity of applications running within the IOx environment. This vulnerability could enable attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate applications, modify configuration files, or establish persistence mechanisms within the virtual instance. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, which may be obtained through various means including credential theft or social engineering attacks. Organizations using Cisco IOx services would face potential data integrity issues, application compromise, and possible unauthorized access to sensitive information processed within the virtualized applications. The vulnerability's presence in both IOx releases 1.0.0.0 and 1.1.0.0 indicates that the flaw existed across multiple versions, requiring comprehensive patching efforts across affected deployments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Cisco IOx installations to the latest available software versions that address the input validation shortcomings. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the attack surface and restrict unauthorized access to the IOx framework. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous file modification activities within virtual instances, particularly around application package uploads and modifications. Security teams should implement principle of least privilege controls for IOx access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can upload or modify application packages within the environment. Additionally, regular security assessments of the IOx framework should be conducted to identify potential weaknesses in the application hosting infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-20 and its potential for lateral movement within the virtualized environment aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, making comprehensive defensive measures essential for protecting against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity patterns associated with application package uploads and file system modifications within the Cisco IOx framework.