CVE-2018-0333 in FireSIGHT System Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the VPN configuration management of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass VPN security due to unintended side effects of dynamic configuration changes that could allow an attacker to bypass configured policies. The vulnerability is due to incorrect management of the configured interface names and VPN parameters when dynamic CLI configuration changes are performed. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending packets through an interface on the targeted device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass configured VPN policies. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvh49388.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0333 resides within the VPN configuration management subsystem of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental integrity of network access controls. This weakness specifically affects the handling of dynamic configuration changes within the system's command line interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized network access that bypasses established security policies. The vulnerability stems from improper management of interface names and VPN parameters during runtime configuration modifications, which creates a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system's security mechanisms. The issue manifests when the system processes dynamic CLI configuration changes, leading to unintended side effects that can be leveraged by attackers to circumvent VPN security controls that should otherwise restrict unauthorized access to network resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of interface configuration parameters during active system operation, allowing attackers to exploit the inconsistent state management of VPN policies. When dynamic configuration changes are applied to the system's command line interface, the software fails to properly synchronize the interface names and VPN parameters, resulting in a misconfiguration that creates security gaps. This mismanagement enables an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft and send packets through specific interfaces on the targeted device, effectively bypassing the configured VPN policies that should enforce access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring authentication credentials, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the targeted device's network interface. The root cause of this weakness aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and specifically demonstrates how dynamic configuration management flaws can create persistent security vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0333 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, lateral movement within networks, and complete compromise of the protected infrastructure. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can establish persistent access to network resources that should be restricted to authorized users only, potentially gaining access to sensitive information, internal systems, and critical network services. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on FireSIGHT systems for network security enforcement, as this vulnerability undermines the primary purpose of VPN configurations designed to protect network perimeters. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and establish command and control channels that can persist beyond the initial exploitation. This weakness can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks, potentially allowing adversaries to move laterally across the network and compromise additional systems that rely on the same security controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant security patches provided by Cisco, which address the specific configuration management flaws in the FireSIGHT system software. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while continuous monitoring of network traffic should be implemented to detect anomalous packet flows that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage should prompt security teams to monitor for unusual VPN protocol behaviors and interface configurations. Additionally, implementing strict change management procedures for dynamic CLI configurations and regular security assessments of network access controls can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious traffic patterns consistent with the exploitation of this vulnerability, while maintaining detailed audit logs of all configuration changes to facilitate forensic analysis if exploitation occurs.