CVE-2017-6616 in Integrated Management Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based GUI of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) 3.0(1c) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected system. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not sufficiently sanitize specific values that are received as part of a user-supplied HTTP request. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user on the affected system. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd14578.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6616 resides within the web-based graphical user interface of Cisco Integrated Management Controller version 3.0(1c), representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote code execution. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the affected software, specifically failing to adequately sanitize user-supplied HTTP request parameters. The vulnerability impacts Cisco IMC systems that are configured to operate with web-based management capabilities, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. The flaw manifests when the system processes HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters that bypass normal input validation checks, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the system's execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials for the affected IMC system, which significantly reduces the attack vector complexity but still maintains a severe risk profile. The underlying flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-77, indicating command injection vulnerabilities that can occur when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed by the system. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests that manipulate the system's parameter handling mechanisms, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the authenticated user's privileges. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to execute commands directly on the target system, potentially allowing for complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data or network resources.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given the critical role that IMC systems play in enterprise network management and monitoring. Organizations relying on Cisco IMC for server management and monitoring are at risk of unauthorized access to their infrastructure, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate system configurations, extract sensitive information, or establish persistent access points within their networks. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from any location with network access to the affected system, eliminating the need for physical presence or local network access. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage the system's legitimate command execution capabilities to perform malicious activities. The security implications extend to potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised IMC systems often serve as central management points for multiple servers and devices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address this vulnerability, which typically involves updating to a patched version of the IMC software that properly sanitizes HTTP request parameters. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and privileged access management should be implemented to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the affected systems. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.