CVE-2017-6735 in FireSIGHT System Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the backup and restore functionality of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. More Information: CSCvc91092. Known Affected Releases: 6.2.0 6.2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6735 resides within the backup and restore functionality of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that directly impacts network security infrastructure. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 6.2.0 and 6.2.1 of the FireSIGHT system, which operates as a comprehensive security management platform designed to protect enterprise networks through advanced threat detection and response capabilities. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper privilege handling within the backup restoration process, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to elevate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The security implications are particularly severe given that FireSIGHT systems typically operate with elevated privileges and manage critical network security policies, making any compromise of the system potentially catastrophic for enterprise security posture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves an authenticated local attacker leveraging the backup and restore functionality to manipulate system processes and gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. When the system processes backup files during restoration, it fails to properly validate the integrity and authenticity of the backup data, allowing an attacker with local access to craft malicious backup files that, when restored, trigger code execution with elevated privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where the attacker's initial access level is insufficient for system compromise, but the flawed backup restoration process provides a mechanism to elevate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness that enables various attack vectors including code injection and privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the system does not adequately verify the source or content of backup restoration data, creating an attack surface that bypasses normal access controls and privilege boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6735 extends far beyond simple local privilege escalation, as compromised FireSIGHT systems can provide attackers with complete control over network security operations and threat detection capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially modify security policies, disable threat detection mechanisms, create backdoor access points, or manipulate network traffic monitoring to evade detection while maintaining persistent access to the enterprise network. The backup and restore functionality is typically used for system maintenance and recovery operations, making this attack vector particularly insidious as legitimate system administrators might unknowingly execute malicious backup files during routine operations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which covers command and script interpreter execution, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation, both of which are commonly used in advanced persistent threat campaigns targeting enterprise security infrastructure. The attack scenario becomes particularly dangerous when considering that FireSIGHT systems often serve as central points for security policy enforcement and threat intelligence aggregation, meaning a successful compromise could provide attackers with comprehensive visibility into network operations and security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6735 should focus on immediate software updates and operational security enhancements to prevent exploitation of the backup and restore functionality. Cisco released patches addressing this vulnerability in subsequent software versions, and organizations must prioritize upgrading their FireSIGHT systems to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. The recommended approach includes implementing strict access controls for backup and restore operations, ensuring that only authorized administrators can perform these functions and that all backup files are properly validated before restoration. Network segmentation and monitoring of backup operations can help detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while implementing principle of least privilege for system accounts reduces the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, backup file encryption, and regular security assessments of the backup and restore processes to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of securing administrative functions and backup processes within security infrastructure, as these components often represent attack vectors that can provide attackers with elevated privileges and persistent access to enterprise networks.