CVE-2017-6692 in Ultra Services Framework Element Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco Ultra Services Framework Element Manager could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to log in to the device with the privileges of the root user, aka an Insecure Default Account Information Vulnerability. More Information: CSCvd85710. Known Affected Releases: 21.0.v0.65839.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6692 represents a critical authentication flaw within Cisco Ultra Services Framework Element Manager version 21.0.v0.65839. This issue stems from insecure default account information that allows authenticated remote attackers to escalate their privileges to the root user level. The vulnerability specifically affects the Element Manager component of Cisco Ultra Services Framework, which serves as a centralized management platform for various network services and devices. Security researchers have categorized this weakness under CWE-798, which denotes the use of hard-coded credentials in software, making it particularly dangerous as it provides persistent access vectors for malicious actors who can exploit this flaw without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability was documented under Cisco bug ID CSCvd85710, highlighting the severity and impact of the insecure default configuration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of default authentication credentials within the Element Manager service. When the system initializes or encounters certain configuration states, it defaults to using hardcoded administrative credentials that remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle. An authenticated attacker who has already gained access to the system through legitimate means can leverage this flaw to escalate their privileges from a standard user account to the root user level. This privilege escalation occurs because the system does not properly validate or enforce access controls during the authentication process, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal security boundaries. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism within the legitimate authentication flow, enabling attackers to assume complete administrative control over the affected device. The vulnerability is classified as a remote privilege escalation issue, as it allows attackers to gain elevated privileges without requiring physical access to the device, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through insecure default credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6692 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected Cisco Ultra Services Framework Element Manager. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify system configurations, install malicious software, access sensitive network data, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the default credentials are changed or the system is properly patched, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such devices often serve as central management points for critical network services. Organizations using this specific version of Cisco Ultra Services Framework face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential network compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the Element Manager component, which typically manages and controls multiple network elements, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to an entire network segment through a single compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6692 require immediate action to address the insecure default credentials within affected Cisco Ultra Services Framework Element Manager installations. Organizations should implement the official Cisco security patches and updates that resolve this vulnerability by removing or properly configuring default administrative accounts. The recommended approach includes changing all default passwords and account credentials to strong, unique values that are not hardcoded within the system. Security teams should also implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include enabling multi-factor authentication where possible, monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activity, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar insecure configurations across the network infrastructure. The solution aligns with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and CIS Controls, specifically addressing the need for secure configuration management and access control enforcement. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise of the affected systems. Regular security audits and compliance checks are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in other network management components.