CVE-2017-3858 in IOS XE
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web framework of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to inject arbitrary commands that are executed with root privileges. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of HTTP parameters supplied by the user. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the device and submitting crafted input to the affected web page parameter. The user must be authenticated to access the affected parameter. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands with root privileges. This vulnerability affects Cisco devices running Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.2.1, if the HTTP Server feature is enabled for the device. The newly redesigned, web-based administration interface was introduced in the Denali 16.2 Release of Cisco IOS XE Software. The web-based administration interface in earlier releases of Cisco IOS XE Software is not affected by this vulnerability. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCuy83069.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Cisco IOS XE Software that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate input validation in web-based administrative interfaces. The vulnerability exists within the HTTP server component of the operating system, specifically affecting devices running Cisco IOS XE Software Release 16.2.1 where the HTTP Server feature has been enabled. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of HTTP parameters passed through the web interface, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to inject malicious commands that execute with the highest possible privileges. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89 classifications, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into command execution contexts without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The attack vector requires an authenticated session, meaning that an adversary must first establish valid credentials to access the affected web interface before exploiting the vulnerability. This authentication requirement provides some defense-in-depth but does not eliminate the severity of the flaw since authorized users with administrative access could be compromised through credential theft or social engineering attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the newly redesigned web-based administration interface introduced in the Denali 16.2 release, making it a regression issue that affects the enhanced security features of the newer software versions rather than legacy implementations. The exploitation process involves crafting malicious HTTP parameters that bypass input validation checks and are subsequently executed as system commands with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, extract sensitive data, install backdoors, or establish persistent access to the compromised device. The vulnerability affects the web-based administration interface specifically, which means that traditional command-line interface access methods remain unaffected, though this does not prevent the attacker from using the compromised web interface to modify system settings that could impact all access methods. This vulnerability also represents a significant concern for network security because it allows attackers to bypass traditional network segmentation controls when they gain access through the web interface.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the HTTP Server feature on affected devices when it is not strictly required, applying the latest security patches from Cisco, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, as the flaw could have been prevented through proper parameter sanitization and the implementation of secure coding guidelines. Security monitoring should focus on anomalous HTTP requests to administrative interfaces, particularly those containing unusual parameter combinations or command-like syntax. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of web application vulnerabilities to gain elevated system access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as two-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for comprehensive security testing of web interfaces in network operating systems, particularly in newer releases that introduce enhanced administrative capabilities.