CVE-2017-6642 in Remote Expert Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web interface of Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software 11.0.0 could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access sensitive information on an affected system. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not sufficiently protect sensitive data when responding to HTTP requests that are sent to the web interface of the software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted HTTP requests to the web interface of the software on an affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to access sensitive information about the software. The attacker could use this information to conduct additional reconnaissance attacks. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvc52856.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6642 resides within the web interface of Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software version 11.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive system information. This weakness specifically manifests in the software's inadequate protection mechanisms when processing HTTP requests directed at its web interface components. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization practices within the software's web server implementation, creating an exploitable condition that bypasses normal authentication requirements. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specifically designed HTTP requests that target the vulnerable web interface, thereby gaining unauthorized access to confidential data that should remain protected from external access.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending malicious HTTP requests that trigger the software's insufficient data protection mechanisms. When the web interface processes these crafted requests, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to sensitive information that is typically restricted to authorized users only. This inadequate protection allows attackers to extract configuration details, system information, and other sensitive data that could reveal the software's internal structure and operational parameters. The flaw essentially creates a data leakage channel through which unauthorized parties can obtain information about the system's configuration, version details, and potentially other system characteristics that would normally require authentication to access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked sensitive data can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can use the acquired information to conduct targeted reconnaissance activities, potentially identifying additional system weaknesses or vulnerabilities within the broader network infrastructure. This information gathering capability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy where initial access is achieved through information disclosure vulnerabilities that enable further exploitation. The vulnerability creates a reconnaissance foothold that allows attackers to better understand the target system's configuration and operational environment, facilitating more precise and effective subsequent attacks.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates poor implementation of access control mechanisms within the web application layer. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1087.001, "Account Discovery," as it enables unauthorized access to system information that would typically require legitimate authentication. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the web interface, which is often exposed to external networks and accessible to potential attackers. Organizations using this software face significant risk of data breaches and reconnaissance activities that could lead to more severe compromises. The lack of authentication requirements for accessing sensitive information represents a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Cisco to address the specific flaw in the web interface implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit external access to systems running this software, while ensuring that the web interface is not exposed to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter HTTP requests, conducting regular security assessments of the web interface components, and establishing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, emphasizing the need for security testing during the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues in future software implementations.