CVE-2017-6646 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 Order 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: CSCvc52866 CSCvc52868.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6646 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software version 11.0.0 that exposes sensitive order information to unauthenticated remote attackers. This weakness resides within the web interface component of the software, which fails to implement adequate data protection mechanisms when processing HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to bypass authentication requirements and directly access confidential data through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The affected system's web interface does not properly enforce access controls or data confidentiality measures, creating an attack surface where sensitive order information becomes accessible without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement within web applications, specifically manifesting as a lack of proper session management and authentication verification. Attackers can exploit this flaw by constructing malicious HTTP requests that target specific endpoints within the web interface, bypassing the normal authentication flow that should protect sensitive order data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since no authentication is required to access the vulnerable endpoints, making it particularly dangerous for systems that handle confidential business information. The flaw essentially allows for information disclosure through improper data handling mechanisms that fail to distinguish between public and private information within the same interface.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks against the affected organization. The sensitive order information accessed through this vulnerability could include customer data, business contracts, pricing information, and other confidential details that could be used for competitive advantage or further exploitation. The exposure of such information creates risk for business continuity, regulatory compliance, and competitive positioning. Organizations using Cisco Remote Expert Manager Software 11.0.0 face potential reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses due to unauthorized access to their proprietary order information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to gather intelligence about system configurations and business operations that could facilitate subsequent attacks targeting other system components.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation measures within the web interface. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates released to address this specific flaw, as Cisco has acknowledged the issue through their bug tracking system with IDs CSCvc52866 and CSCvc52868. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web interface, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically addressing inadequate access control mechanisms, and represents a potential pathway for attackers to progress through the ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance and initial access phases. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications and systems within their environment.