CVE-2018-0383 in FireSIGHT System Software
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the detection engine of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass a file policy that is configured to block the transfer of files to an affected system via FTP. The vulnerability exists because the affected software incorrectly handles FTP control connections. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a maliciously crafted FTP connection to transfer a file to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass a file policy that is configured to apply the Block upload with reset action to FTP traffic. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvh70130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-0383 resides within the detection engine of Cisco FireSIGHT System Software, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of file transfer policies. This weakness specifically targets the handling of FTP control connections, creating an avenue for unauthenticated remote attackers to circumvent configured security measures. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate or process certain FTP control channel communications, allowing maliciously crafted connections to slip through the security apparatus that should have blocked them. The vulnerability impacts Cisco FireSIGHT System Software versions where the detection engine incorrectly processes FTP control connections, fundamentally compromising the intended file transfer blocking functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of FTP control connections that traverse the affected system. Attackers can craft specific FTP control channel communications that exploit the flawed handling mechanism within the FireSIGHT software, enabling them to bypass file policies configured to block FTP uploads with reset actions. This exploitation process leverages the software's improper state management or validation routines during FTP control connection processing, allowing malicious file transfers to proceed despite active security policies designed to prevent such activities. The flaw essentially creates a bypass mechanism within the system's policy enforcement framework, undermining the core security controls that should prevent unauthorized file transfers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple policy bypass, as it represents a fundamental failure in the system's security enforcement capabilities. Organizations relying on Cisco FireSIGHT for network protection face the risk of unauthorized file transfers occurring without detection or interruption, potentially leading to data exfiltration, malware deployment, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where FTP services are actively used. This weakness essentially transforms the security appliance from a protective barrier into a potential entry point for malicious file transfers, undermining the trust placed in the system's file policy enforcement.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0383 focus on immediate software updates and configuration adjustments to address the underlying FTP control connection handling flaw. Cisco has released patches and software updates specifically designed to correct the detection engine's improper handling of FTP control connections, which should be deployed immediately across affected systems. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring and logging measures to detect anomalous FTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a specific instance where inadequate validation of FTP control channel communications allows bypass of security controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving bypassing security controls and gaining unauthorized access to network resources through protocol manipulation, making it a significant concern for defensive security operations.
Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected FireSIGHT software versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The patching process requires careful planning to minimize network disruption while ensuring complete protection against this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should review existing FTP traffic policies and monitoring procedures to verify that the system's response to file transfer attempts remains effective after applying the security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper protocol handling in security appliances and highlights the need for continuous validation of security controls against evolving threat landscapes.