CVE-2017-6637 in Prime Collaboration Provisioning
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Software (prior to Release 11.1) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to delete any file from an affected system. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not perform proper input validation of HTTP requests and fails to apply role-based access controls (RBACs) to requested HTTP URLs. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request that uses directory traversal techniques to submit a path to a desired file location on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to delete any file from the system. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvc99618.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6637 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Software versions prior to Release 11.1, where the web interface fails to properly validate HTTP requests and lacks adequate role-based access controls. This weakness creates a path for authenticated remote attackers to perform unauthorized file deletion operations on affected systems, potentially leading to severe operational disruptions and data loss. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, allowing malicious actors to manipulate HTTP requests through directory traversal techniques. The flaw specifically affects the software's handling of requested HTTP URLs, where the system does not enforce proper access controls based on user roles, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges through crafted requests that target specific file paths within the system's file structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on directory traversal methods such as path traversal attacks, where attackers craft HTTP requests containing sequences like "../" to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access files outside of normal user permissions. This type of attack falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to leverage their session to submit malicious requests that bypass normal access controls, effectively granting them the ability to delete any file on the system that they have access to through their authenticated session. The attack vector operates entirely through the web interface, making it accessible to remote attackers who can establish authenticated sessions and then exploit the flawed input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion, as it can lead to complete system compromise and service disruption for organizations relying on Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Software for their communication infrastructure management. Attackers could target critical system files, configuration data, or even database files that would result in complete system failure or data corruption, potentially requiring extensive recovery procedures and system reinstallation. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the provisioning software, which is responsible for managing and configuring collaboration tools such as video conferencing systems, unified communications platforms, and other network infrastructure components. Organizations using affected versions of the software face significant risk of operational downtime, data integrity issues, and potential regulatory compliance violations when critical system files are compromised through this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6637 should focus on immediate software updates to versions 11.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and RBAC implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable web interface to only authorized users and systems. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution, as attackers may leverage the file deletion capability to remove security monitoring tools or system components. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Software installations and ensure that all authenticated users have appropriate access controls and least privilege permissions to minimize potential impact from successful exploitation attempts.