CVE-2018-0268 in DNA Center
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the container management subsystem of Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication and gain elevated privileges. This vulnerability is due to an insecure default configuration of the Kubernetes container management subsystem within DNA Center. An attacker who has the ability to access the Kubernetes service port could execute commands with elevated privileges within provisioned containers. A successful exploit could result in a complete compromise of affected containers. This vulnerability affects Cisco DNA Center Software Releases 1.1.3 and prior. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvi47253.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0268 resides within the container management subsystem of Cisco Digital Network Architecture Center, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the platform's containerized environment. This weakness specifically targets the Kubernetes container management subsystem that forms the backbone of DNA Center's operational framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized access that bypasses standard authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests through an insecure default configuration that fails to properly secure the Kubernetes service ports, leaving them exposed to potential exploitation by malicious actors who lack legitimate credentials. The flaw affects Cisco DNA Center Software Releases 1.1.3 and earlier versions, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these older releases across enterprise networks worldwide. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, highlighting the fundamental flaw in privilege management within the container orchestration layer. The security implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as the vulnerability enables privilege escalation through the Kubernetes service port, allowing attackers to execute commands with elevated privileges within provisioned containers.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2018-0268 leverages the inherent weaknesses in the default Kubernetes configuration to achieve unauthorized command execution capabilities within the containerized environment. When an attacker gains access to the Kubernetes service port, they can bypass the standard authentication protocols that should normally restrict access to privileged operations. This unauthorized access enables the execution of commands with elevated privileges, effectively allowing the attacker to operate within the container environment with the same permissions as legitimate administrative users. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it can lead to complete compromise of affected containers, potentially resulting in data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack vector requires minimal prerequisites since the vulnerability stems from insecure default configurations rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques or additional vulnerabilities to be present. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access, demonstrating how insecure default configurations can serve as entry points for broader exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0268 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual containers, potentially affecting the entire network infrastructure that relies on Cisco DNA Center for network management and orchestration. Organizations utilizing affected DNA Center versions face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive network configuration data, potential disruption of network services, and exposure of critical infrastructure components to further attacks. The vulnerability's ability to enable privilege escalation means that attackers can move laterally within the containerized environment, potentially accessing additional systems or resources that were not directly targeted. This risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not be aware of the vulnerability's presence, as it operates through default configurations that are often overlooked during security assessments. The compromised containers could serve as launching points for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to full network compromise or data exfiltration. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, as it represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and undermines the security posture of the entire DNA Center deployment. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple software releases indicates that organizations with older installations may continue to face exposure unless proper remediation measures are implemented, creating ongoing risk that extends well beyond the initial discovery period.