CVE-2017-6771 in Ultra Services Framework
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the AutoVNF automation tool of the Cisco Ultra Services Framework could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to acquire sensitive information. The vulnerability is due to insufficient protection of sensitive data. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by browsing to a specific URL of an affected device. An exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive configuration information about the deployment. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd29358. Known Affected Releases: 21.0.v0.65839.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6771 resides within the AutoVNF automation tool component of Cisco Ultra Services Framework, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security posture of affected systems. This weakness manifests through inadequate protection mechanisms for sensitive data, creating an attack vector that allows unauthenticated remote exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects Cisco Ultra Services Framework version 21.0.v0.65839 and is documented under Cisco Bug ID CSCvd29358, highlighting the organization's recognition of this security gap within their service framework. The flaw operates through a straightforward exploitation method where attackers can navigate to a specific URL on the affected device to gain access to sensitive configuration information, making it particularly dangerous due to its accessibility and the lack of authentication requirements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient data protection measures within the AutoVNF automation tool's web interface, creating a path for unauthorized data retrieval that violates fundamental security principles. This weakness falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-200, where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties without proper access controls or authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the system does not adequately restrict access to sensitive deployment configurations that should remain protected from external observation. The specific URL-based exploitation method indicates that the vulnerability exists in the web application layer where input validation and access control checks are either missing or improperly implemented, allowing attackers to directly query sensitive system information through simple web navigation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6771 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked configuration data could provide attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent attacks. This sensitive information may include deployment details, system architecture information, and potentially network configurations that could facilitate more sophisticated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that expose their services to external networks. The lack of authentication requirements creates a persistent threat surface where any individual with knowledge of the specific URL pattern can repeatedly access sensitive information, potentially leading to comprehensive reconnaissance of the affected infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive operational data that should remain protected within the organization's security boundaries.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected systems, deployment of web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and thorough review of access controls to ensure that sensitive configuration data is properly protected. The implementation of proper authentication mechanisms and input validation should be prioritized to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns to web interfaces and alert on potential exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning), where attackers can use the information disclosure to gather intelligence for further exploitation. Organizations should also review their security configurations and ensure that all web-facing services implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.