CVE-2018-0451 in Tetration Analytics
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Tetration Analytics could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack and perform arbitrary actions on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient CSRF protections for the web-based management interface of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to follow a customized link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to perform arbitrary actions on an affected device by using a web browser and with the privileges of the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0451 represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness in Cisco Tetration Analytics web-based management interface. This flaw resides within the security controls that govern user authentication and authorization processes, specifically failing to implement robust protection mechanisms against CSRF attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of requests originating from unauthorized sources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate user sessions and execute unauthorized operations.
Cisco Tetration Analytics serves as a network security analytics platform designed to provide visibility into network traffic and detect security threats through behavioral analysis. The web-based management interface allows administrators to configure and monitor the system, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit authentication mechanisms. The insufficient CSRF protections manifest as a failure to validate the origin of requests, meaning that legitimate administrative actions can be triggered through maliciously crafted links without proper user consent or awareness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to perform arbitrary actions with the privileges of authenticated users. This includes but is not limited to modifying system configurations, creating or deleting user accounts, accessing sensitive data, or potentially disrupting service availability. The attack vector relies on social engineering tactics where users are tricked into clicking malicious links, making the exploitation process relatively straightforward for attackers who can craft convincing phishing campaigns. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as unauthorized modifications can occur without detection by legitimate administrators.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. The flaw demonstrates poor implementation of the principle of least privilege and inadequate input validation, as the system fails to verify that requests originate from legitimate sources within the same context. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the web application attack surface through session manipulation. Organizations utilizing Cisco Tetration Analytics face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it allows for persistent unauthorized access that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of CSRF tokens within the web interface to validate request authenticity and ensure that all administrative actions require proper verification. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that CSRF protections remain effective. Cisco has released patches addressing this vulnerability, and administrators should prioritize updating their systems to prevent exploitation. Additionally, user awareness training regarding suspicious links and phishing attempts can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks targeting this vulnerability.