CVE-2019-12679 in FirePOWER Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in the web-based management interface of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL injections on an affected device. These vulnerabilities exist due to improper input validation. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending crafted SQL queries to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view information that they are not authorized to view, make changes to the system that they are not authorized to make, and execute commands within the underlying operating system that may affect the availability of the device.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2019-12679 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco Firepower Management Center software that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. This vulnerability affects the web-based management interface of the Firepower Management Center, which serves as the central control point for managing Cisco Firepower Threat Defense appliances. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web application, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to perform SQL injection attacks against the system. The Firepower Management Center is widely deployed in enterprise security infrastructures, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could compromise the entire network security posture of affected organizations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted SQL injection payloads that are sent to the vulnerable web interface. When the system processes these malicious inputs without proper sanitization, the SQL queries execute with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to access the underlying database directly. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities. The attack requires an authenticated session, meaning that an attacker must first obtain valid credentials to the FMC interface, but this does not significantly reduce the risk given that many organizations have weak credential management practices. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized data access, modify system configurations, and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively providing complete control over the management interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it could lead to complete system takeover and disruption of security operations. An attacker with access to the FMC could potentially modify firewall rules, disable security policies, or even delete critical configuration data, leaving the organization's network defense mechanisms compromised. The ability to execute commands at the operating system level means that attackers could potentially escalate privileges further, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network segments. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and explore the network environment. Organizations relying on FMC for security management face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-12679 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Cisco released security updates to address this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and credential management practices, including multi-factor authentication for administrative access to the FMC interface. Network segmentation and monitoring of FMC traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that input validation mechanisms are properly implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify SQL injection patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of security management interfaces should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network security tools that may be equally vulnerable to similar attacks.