CVE-2017-6614 in FindIT Network Probe Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the file-download feature of the web user interface for Cisco FindIT Network Probe Software 1.0.0 could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to download and view any system file by using the affected software. The vulnerability is due to the absence of role-based access control (RBAC) for file-download requests that are sent to the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to download and view any system file by using the affected software. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd11628.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6614 represents a critical authorization flaw in Cisco FindIT Network Probe Software version 1.0.0, specifically within its web user interface file-download functionality. This issue stems from a fundamental absence of role-based access control mechanisms that should normally restrict file access based on user permissions and privileges. The vulnerability creates a dangerous condition where authenticated users can bypass normal access controls to retrieve arbitrary system files, effectively undermining the software's security model and exposing sensitive data to unauthorized access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that target the file-download feature without proper authentication checks or authorization validation. Attackers who have gained initial access to the system through legitimate authentication can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges and access files that should normally be restricted to administrators or system-level users. The absence of proper input validation and access control checks in the file-download endpoint creates a pathway for arbitrary file retrieval that can expose configuration files, system logs, user credentials, and other sensitive data stored on the affected system.
This vulnerability significantly impacts the operational security posture of organizations using Cisco FindIT Network Probe Software, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to system files that may contain critical information about network infrastructure, user accounts, and system configurations. The implications extend beyond simple data theft, as attackers could potentially discover system vulnerabilities, extract sensitive credentials, or identify network architecture details that could facilitate further attacks. The flaw essentially eliminates any meaningful distinction between different user roles within the software, creating a scenario where any authenticated user can access all system files regardless of their intended privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all access control mechanisms. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, as it allows for unauthorized access to system resources that would normally require elevated privileges. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying Cisco's security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected software, and conducting thorough access control reviews to ensure proper user privilege management.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates poor security design practices in the software's authentication and authorization framework, where the development team failed to implement proper access control checks for file operations. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous in network monitoring and diagnostic software, where the software typically operates with elevated privileges to perform its functions and should therefore have strict access controls to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file download requests to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing proper access control mechanisms in all software components that handle sensitive data or system resources, particularly in network infrastructure tools where the attack surface can have significant operational impact.