CVE-2017-6777 in Elastic Services Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the ConfD server of the Cisco Elastic Services Controller (ESC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to acquire sensitive system information. The vulnerability is due to insufficient protection of sensitive files on the system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by logging into the ConfD server and executing certain commands. An exploit could allow an unprivileged user to view configuration parameters that can be maliciously used. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd76409. Known Affected Releases: 2.3, 2.3(2).
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6777 resides within the ConfD server component of Cisco's Elastic Services Controller platform, specifically affecting versions 2.3 and 2.3(2). This weakness represents a critical flaw in the system's access control mechanisms and file protection protocols, creating a pathway for authenticated remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability stems from inadequate safeguards protecting sensitive files and configuration parameters that should remain restricted to authorized administrative users only.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated access to the ConfD server interface, where attackers can execute specific commands to enumerate and retrieve configuration data that should be protected. This flaw essentially allows privilege escalation within the confines of the existing authentication system, enabling unprivileged users to access information that could reveal system architecture, network configurations, and potentially sensitive operational details. The vulnerability manifests as insufficient file system permissions and access control enforcement, which violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the retrieved configuration parameters could provide attackers with critical insights into the system's internal workings and network topology. Such information could be leveraged to plan more sophisticated attacks, identify additional system weaknesses, or facilitate further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects the overall security posture of the Cisco Elastic Services Controller by potentially exposing sensitive operational data that could be used for lateral movement within networks or to target other connected systems. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor.
Cisco's identification of this issue under bug ID CSCvd76409 indicates that the company recognized the severity of the access control flaw within their own product ecosystem. The vulnerability's presence in specific release versions demonstrates the importance of proper security testing and access control validation during software development and deployment phases. Organizations utilizing these affected versions face increased risk of targeted attacks that could compromise network infrastructure and operational security. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by both insider threats and external attackers who have gained initial access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Cisco Elastic Services Controller installations to the latest supported releases that contain proper access control fixes. Network segmentation and strict access control policies should be implemented to limit the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to the ConfD server components. Regular security audits and configuration reviews should be conducted to ensure that sensitive files maintain appropriate access permissions and that no unauthorized access paths exist. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information, and T1566, covering credential access through various attack vectors. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and configuration changes that could indicate exploitation attempts against similar access control vulnerabilities.