CVE-2018-0368 in Digital Network Architecture Center
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center could allow an authenticated, local attacker to access sensitive information on an affected system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient security restrictions imposed by the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by accessing unprotected log files. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to access sensitive log files, which may include system credentials, on the affected device. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvi22400.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0368 resides within Cisco Digital Network Architecture DNA Center, a comprehensive network management platform designed to automate and orchestrate network operations. This security flaw represents a critical oversight in the platform's access control mechanisms, specifically affecting the protection of sensitive system data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate security restrictions that fail to properly safeguard log files containing potentially sensitive information. As a network management system, DNA Center processes and stores vast amounts of operational data including system credentials, network configurations, and operational logs that are essential for maintaining network security and integrity. The flaw manifests when the system fails to adequately enforce access controls on its own log files, creating an avenue for authenticated local attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward but dangerous method involving direct access to unprotected log files within the system's file structure. An authenticated local attacker who already possesses valid credentials for accessing the DNA Center system can leverage their legitimate access to navigate to specific directories containing log files that should normally be protected from unauthorized viewing. The insufficient security restrictions mean that these log files are accessible without proper authorization checks, allowing the attacker to read and extract sensitive data including but not limited to system credentials, authentication tokens, and other operational information that could be used for further compromise. This represents a classic case of inadequate least privilege enforcement and improper access control implementation, where the system fails to properly separate different levels of information access based on user roles and permissions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates how weak file-level permissions can create security holes even within authenticated environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with potentially valuable information that could enable further exploitation of the network infrastructure. Access to system credentials stored in log files could allow attackers to escalate their privileges or gain access to additional network resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exposure of operational logs may also reveal network topology information, system configurations, and other sensitive operational data that could be used for targeted attacks against the network. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the DNA Center platform, as it allows an attacker who has already established a foothold to escalate their access and extract information that should remain protected. The impact is particularly severe in environments where DNA Center serves as a central management point for enterprise networks, as the compromise of this system could provide attackers with comprehensive visibility into network operations and access to critical network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0368 require immediate implementation of proper access control measures and security configuration updates. Organizations should ensure that all log files are properly protected through appropriate file permissions and access control lists that prevent unauthorized access even for authenticated users. The recommended approach includes implementing strict file-level permissions where log files are accessible only to authorized system processes and administrators with legitimate need to access such information. Cisco has addressed this vulnerability through software updates and patches that enforce proper access restrictions on log files and implement stronger access control mechanisms. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of log file access controls and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege enforcement ensures that even authenticated users can only access information necessary for their specific roles. This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and proper configuration management, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor access control oversights can create significant security risks in network management platforms. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security training for administrators to ensure proper understanding of access control principles and the importance of protecting sensitive system information.