CVE-2017-6792 in Prime Collaboration Provisioning Tool
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the batch provisioning feature in Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Tool could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to overwrite system files as root. The vulnerability is due to lack of input validation of the parameters in BatchFileName and Directory. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the parameters of the batch action file function. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd61766.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6792 resides within the batch provisioning functionality of Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Tool, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote attackers to escalate privileges and overwrite critical system files with root-level permissions. This vulnerability specifically affects the validation mechanisms implemented within the tool's batch processing capabilities, where insufficient input sanitization creates exploitable pathways for malicious actors. The flaw manifests through the lack of proper parameter validation for BatchFileName and Directory parameters, which are critical components in the batch action file function that processes provisioning requests. The vulnerability was documented under Cisco Bug ID CSCvd61766, highlighting the specific nature of the input validation failure that enables unauthorized system file manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who can submit maliciously crafted parameters through the batch action file function. When the system processes these parameters without adequate validation, it allows the attacker to manipulate file paths and potentially overwrite system files with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the principle of privilege escalation by enabling an authenticated user to perform operations that should only be available to root or system administrators, effectively bypassing the normal access controls that protect critical system components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise the integrity and availability of the entire Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Tool environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can modify core system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data loss, or service disruption. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where the tool may be accessible from multiple locations. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through unauthorized file access, integrity through file modification capabilities, and availability through potential system disruption. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically focusing on the use of software vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Cisco Prime Collaboration Provisioning Tool, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the provisioning tool, and establishing strict access controls for authentication credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in security design, as proper parameter validation could have prevented the exploitation path. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their provisioning tools and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file modification patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper security controls in administrative functions and the potential consequences when input validation mechanisms fail in systems handling privileged operations.