CVE-2018-0089 in Policy Suite CPS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) of the Cisco Policy Suite (CPS) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access sensitive data. The attacker could use this information to conduct additional reconnaissance attacks. The attacker would also have to have access to the internal VLAN where CPS is deployed. The vulnerability is due to incorrect permissions of certain system files and not sufficiently protecting sensitive data that is at rest. An attacker could exploit the vulnerability by using certain tools available on the internal network interface to request and view system files. An exploit could allow the attacker to find out sensitive information about the application. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvf77666.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0089 resides within the Policy and Charging Rules Function component of Cisco Policy Suite, specifically affecting the Cisco Policy Suite version 2.0 and earlier releases. This weakness represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive data through improper access controls and inadequate data protection mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when attackers exploit insufficient permissions on system files, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that could facilitate further reconnaissance activities. The attack vector requires internal network access through the VLAN where CPS is deployed, indicating a privilege escalation scenario rather than a true remote attack. This configuration aligns with common security principles where internal network boundaries are assumed to be trusted, but insufficient access controls within these domains create exploitable weaknesses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper file system permissions and inadequate protection of sensitive data at rest within the PCRF component. Attackers can leverage tools available on the internal network interface to make specific requests that reveal system files containing sensitive information. This exploitation mechanism demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where standard access controls fail to adequately protect confidential data assets. The vulnerability allows attackers to discover detailed information about the application's internal structure, configuration parameters, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for subsequent attacks. The underlying cause is rooted in poor security design practices where system files are not properly secured, creating a data exposure scenario that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and data protection. This weakness can be categorized under CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and specifically relates to CWE-312, concerning exposure of sensitive information through data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as the information gained through exploitation could enable attackers to conduct more sophisticated reconnaissance activities against the network infrastructure. The sensitive data accessible through this vulnerability may include configuration details, system parameters, and application-specific information that could be leveraged for additional attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement, or targeted exploitation of other systems. The requirement for internal VLAN access suggests this vulnerability is more relevant to internal network security rather than external threat actors, but it still represents a significant risk when attackers have already gained network access. Organizations utilizing Cisco Policy Suite in environments where internal network segmentation is inadequate or where attackers can establish presence within the network may face severe consequences from exploitation of this vulnerability. The impact is particularly concerning in telecommunications environments where policy and charging rules function as critical infrastructure components that control network access and billing parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0089 should focus on implementing proper access controls and data protection mechanisms within the Cisco Policy Suite environment. Organizations must ensure that system files containing sensitive data are properly secured with appropriate permissions and that internal network segmentation is maintained to limit the scope of potential attacks. The recommended approach includes applying Cisco's security patches and updates that address the specific permission issues identified in the vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict access controls on the internal VLAN where CPS is deployed, limiting access to authorized personnel only and monitoring for suspicious activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar permission-based vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and privilege escalation, and T1083 which covers file and directory discovery. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file access patterns and unauthorized data requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense in depth strategies where multiple layers of security controls work together to protect sensitive data assets from unauthorized access.