CVE-2017-6600 in Unified Computing System Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the CLI of the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) Manager, Cisco Firepower 4100 Series Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), and Cisco Firepower 9300 Security Appliance could allow an authenticated, local attacker to perform a command injection attack. More Information: CSCvb61351 CSCvb61637. Known Affected Releases: 2.0(1.68) 3.1(1k)A. Known Fixed Releases: 92.2(1.101) 92.1(1.1645) 2.0(1.82) 1.1(4.136.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6600 represents a critical command injection flaw within the command line interface of multiple Cisco network security products including the Cisco Unified Computing System Manager and various Firepower series appliances. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the CLI component that processes user commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running versions 2.0(1.68), 3.1(1k)A, and other affected releases, with remediation available through patches in versions 92.2(1.101), 92.1(1.1645), 2.0(1.82), and 1.1(4.136).
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated local attacker submits malicious input through the CLI interface that bypasses normal input sanitization controls. This flaw allows the attacker to inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the CLI session, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications, where user-supplied data is improperly incorporated into command execution without adequate sanitization. The attack vector requires local authentication access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or where insider threats exist.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure as it enables authenticated local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on critical security appliances. The impact extends beyond simple command execution since these appliances often serve as primary security controls within enterprise networks, potentially allowing attackers to modify firewall rules, access sensitive network data, or establish persistent access points. The affected Firepower 4100 and 9300 series appliances are commonly deployed in high-security environments where such compromise could result in complete network infiltration and data exfiltration capabilities. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the command-line interface as an attack surface.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the available patches to affected systems, implementing strict access controls to limit local administrative access, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns within CLI sessions. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices should be reinforced to minimize the potential impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper sanitization in CLI interfaces, as highlighted in industry best practices for secure coding and the NIST Secure Coding guidelines. Regular security assessments of management interfaces and implementation of automated patch management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.