CVE-2017-6645 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 Virtual Temporary Directory 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: CSCvc52861.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6645 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software version 11.0.0, specifically targeting the web interface component that governs system accessibility and data handling. This issue manifests as a weakness in the software's HTTP request processing mechanism where insufficient protection mechanisms fail to adequately safeguard sensitive Virtual Temporary Directory information. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and demonstrates how inadequate access controls can lead to unauthorized data access. The affected system's web interface serves as the primary attack vector, where malicious actors can exploit the flaw through crafted HTTP requests without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending specifically designed HTTP requests to the vulnerable web interface, which triggers the software's insufficient data protection mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to access sensitive Virtual Temporary Directory information that should remain protected within the system's operational environment. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as the leaked information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated reconnaissance activities. The attacker can leverage the discovered directory structures and temporary file information to understand the software's operational patterns and potentially identify additional attack surfaces. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery activities, and represents a classic example of how insecure data handling can compromise system security posture.
The operational consequences of successful exploitation pose significant risks to organizations relying on Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software, as the leaked information can facilitate further attack vectors and compromise the overall security infrastructure. Attackers can use the exposed directory information to plan targeted attacks against specific system components or to conduct more extensive reconnaissance of the network environment. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature makes it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior access credentials or privileged information to exploit, thereby increasing the attack surface and potential impact. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues and increased risk of subsequent attacks, as the information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to refine their strategies and execute more sophisticated compromise attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6645 should prioritize immediate patch management through Cisco's official security advisories, which typically address the root cause by implementing proper HTTP request handling and data protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact by restricting direct access to the vulnerable web interface from untrusted networks. Implementing web application firewalls and HTTP request filtering can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking malicious request patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components and ensure comprehensive protection against information disclosure threats. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring of web interface access to detect anomalous activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's resolution typically involves updating to patched software versions that address the insufficient data protection mechanisms and implement proper access controls for sensitive system information.