CVE-2019-12684 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 Cisco Firepower Management Center represents a critical component in enterprise security infrastructure serving as the centralized management platform for Cisco Firepower threat defense appliances. This web-based management interface handles configuration management, policy enforcement, and monitoring functions across distributed security appliances. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2019-12684 specifically targets the authentication and input validation mechanisms within this management interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized operations. The affected software versions typically include FMC releases prior to 6.2.3, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations maintaining legacy deployments.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the web application's SQL query processing mechanisms. When authenticated users submit data through web forms or API endpoints, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into backend database queries. This improper handling creates conditions where maliciously crafted input can be interpreted as part of the SQL command structure rather than as literal data, enabling attackers to manipulate database operations. The vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection points throughout the application's interface, allowing attackers to construct and execute arbitrary database commands. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection as a common web application vulnerability where untrusted data is embedded into SQL queries without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access violations to encompass complete system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. An authenticated attacker can leverage the SQL injection capabilities to extract sensitive configuration data, user credentials, and system information that should remain protected. The vulnerability permits unauthorized modifications to system settings and policies, potentially allowing attackers to disable security controls or redirect traffic through malicious routes. Most critically, successful exploitation enables command execution within the underlying operating system, providing attackers with elevated privileges and the ability to perform actions that could severely impact system availability. This includes potential system crashes, data corruption, or complete service disruption that could affect the entire security infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed management interfaces.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the official Cisco security patches and software updates that address the input validation flaws in FMC software versions. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the FMC management interface, ensuring only authorized administrative personnel can reach the system. Access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and role-based access restrictions to minimize the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The MITRE ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, emphasizing the need for defensive measures targeting these attack vectors. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other enterprise applications, as SQL injection vulnerabilities are among the most frequently exploited security flaws in web applications.