CVE-2019-15958 in Prime Infrastructure
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the REST API of Cisco Prime Infrastructure (PI) and Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation during the initial High Availability (HA) configuration and registration process of an affected device. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious file during the HA registration period. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with root-level privileges on the underlying operating system. Note: This vulnerability can only be exploited during the HA registration period. See the Details section for more information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2024
This vulnerability exists within the REST API implementation of Cisco Prime Infrastructure and Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager platforms, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that could compromise entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms during the High Availability configuration and registration process, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw specifically manifests during the initial HA registration period when the system processes incoming configuration data, making it particularly dangerous as it occurs before normal authentication mechanisms are fully established.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to upload a malicious file during the brief HA registration phase, which then triggers the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that bypasses standard authentication controls, as the attack vector operates without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability is classified as a code injection flaw that leverages insufficient input validation, aligning with CWE-74 standards for improper neutralization of special elements used in a code context. The attack surface is limited to the specific registration period, but this temporal window provides sufficient opportunity for exploitation in targeted attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2019-15958 could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive network data, or disrupt critical infrastructure operations. The root privilege execution capability means that attackers could modify system files, install malware, or manipulate network configurations without detection. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, while also demonstrating characteristics of T1566 for credential harvesting and T1078 for valid accounts usage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to the affected REST API endpoints, deployment of network access controls to limit exposure during HA registration periods, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and the principle of least privilege in network infrastructure systems. Cisco has released patches and updates to address this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize immediate remediation. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file uploads, conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network management systems, and establishing strict access controls for HA configuration processes. The incident underscores the critical need for input validation in API implementations and the importance of time-sensitive security controls in high-availability network environments.