CVE-2017-6644 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: CSCvc52860.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6644 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software version 11.0.0, specifically affecting the software's web interface component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms that fail to properly secure sensitive data during HTTP request processing, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to gain access to confidential system information. The flaw exists within the web application's response handling logic where sensitive data elements are not adequately sanitized or protected during HTTP communication, potentially exposing system internals to malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication credentials for exploitation, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected system's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the software's insufficient data protection mechanisms when processing HTTP requests. When crafted HTTP requests are sent to the web interface, the affected system fails to properly validate or sanitize the responses containing sensitive information. This inadequate protection allows attackers to extract confidential data through carefully constructed requests that exploit the software's weak response handling. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked data can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance information about the software configuration, system architecture, and potentially vulnerable components. The specific nature of the flaw indicates a lack of proper input validation and output sanitization within the web interface's request processing pipeline, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that aligns with common web application security weaknesses.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6644 is significant for organizations utilizing Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software 11.0.0, as it enables attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities without requiring authentication. This vulnerability creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with information about the target system's configuration and software internals, which can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any system with the vulnerable software exposed to the internet becomes immediately vulnerable to reconnaissance and information gathering activities. Organizations may face increased risk of targeted attacks once attackers have obtained the sensitive information, as this data can reveal system weaknesses, configuration details, and potential attack vectors that could lead to further compromise. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor for threat actors to gather intelligence before launching more damaging attacks against the affected systems.
Organizations affected by CVE-2017-6644 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by Cisco to address the information disclosure vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the affected software to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect suspicious HTTP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1082 for system information discovery, highlighting the reconnaissance aspect of this vulnerability. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that could potentially enable related vulnerabilities such as those in the CWE-79 category for cross-site scripting, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security hardening measures. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications within the organization's infrastructure.