CVE-2017-6619 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 commands on an affected system. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not sufficiently sanitize user-supplied HTTP input. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending an HTTP POST request that contains crafted, deserialized user data to the affected software. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root-level privileges on the affected system, which the attacker could use to conduct further attacks. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd14591.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6619 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 weakness specifically manifests in the improper sanitization of user-supplied HTTP input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the system's processing of HTTP POST requests containing crafted deserialized data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the IMC's web interface, which fails to properly validate or sanitize data received through HTTP communication channels, thereby allowing malicious payloads to be processed without sufficient security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft and submit a specifically designed HTTP POST request that includes deserialized user data, leveraging the insufficient sanitization to bypass normal security controls. The flaw allows for arbitrary command execution with root-level privileges, which represents a severe escalation of privileges within the system's security model. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category, specifically addressing "Improper Input Validation" where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize inputs received from external sources. The attack vector operates through the web-based management interface, making it accessible to authenticated users who can leverage this weakness to gain elevated system access, potentially enabling further reconnaissance, lateral movement, or persistent access within the network environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system's resources and capabilities. With root-level privileges, an attacker could modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for additional attacks against other network components. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the entire managed infrastructure. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," where adversaries execute malicious commands through legitimate system interfaces, and T1068, "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," which describes how attackers leverage system vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights. The vulnerability's presence in the IMC software creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Cisco's management solutions, as it allows attackers to compromise the foundational management infrastructure that controls critical network devices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches released by Cisco to address this vulnerability, as well as implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected systems. The recommended approach involves restricting HTTP access to the IMC interface to trusted networks only, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP POST requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their management interfaces and ensure that all Cisco products are running supported versions with current security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for robust security controls in management interfaces that serve as potential attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries.