CVE-2017-6685 in Ultra Services Framework Staging Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco Ultra Services Framework Staging Server could allow an authenticated, remote attacker with access to the management network to log in as an admin user of the affected device, aka an Insecure Default Credentials Vulnerability. More Information: CSCvc76681. Known Affected Releases: 21.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6685 resides within Cisco Ultra Services Framework Staging Server version 21.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to escalate their privileges and assume administrative control over affected devices. This issue stems from insecure default credentials that persist in the system configuration, creating a persistent backdoor for malicious actors who can gain unauthorized administrative access through the management network. The vulnerability specifically affects the staging server component of Cisco Ultra Services Framework, which serves as a critical infrastructure element for service deployment and management within Cisco environments.
This represents a classic example of CWE-798 weakness, where hardcoded credentials are present in the software configuration, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts - Default Accounts. The flaw operates by allowing an attacker who has already gained access to the management network to exploit these default administrative credentials without requiring additional authentication factors or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability does not require exploitation of network services or complex injection techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have achieved network access but lack administrative privileges. The default credential configuration essentially provides a "key" that unlocks administrative access, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms that should protect against unauthorized access to critical system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of Cisco Ultra Services Framework installations. Once an attacker achieves administrative access through default credentials, they can manipulate system configurations, access sensitive data, modify service deployments, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects the staging server functionality which typically handles service provisioning and configuration management, making it a critical component for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct advanced attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Cisco Ultra Services Framework may be integrated with critical infrastructure components, as it provides a direct path to administrative control without detection by standard security monitoring systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate credential rotation for all default administrative accounts, network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, and enhanced monitoring of authentication attempts. The remediation process requires administrators to change all default passwords and implement strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication where available. Network access controls should be configured to restrict management network access to authorized personnel only, and regular security audits should verify that default credentials have been properly addressed. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for credential-based access patterns and establishing comprehensive logging of administrative activities can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential management and configuration hardening practices, as highlighted in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-123 and ISO 27001, which emphasize the need for regular security assessments and secure configuration management to prevent unauthorized access through default credentials.