CVE-2019-15985 in Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in the REST and SOAP API endpoints of Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary SQL commands on an affected device. To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker would need administrative privileges on the DCNM application. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory. Note: The severity of these vulnerabilities is aggravated by the vulnerabilities described in the Cisco Data Center Network Manager Authentication Bypass Vulnerabilities advisory, published simultaneously with this one.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15985 affects Cisco Data Center Network Manager, a critical component in enterprise data center network management infrastructure. This issue represents a significant security flaw that could enable authenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the affected system. The vulnerability specifically targets both REST and SOAP API endpoints within the DCNM application, creating multiple attack vectors for potential exploitation. These API endpoints serve as primary interfaces for system administration and network management operations, making them prime targets for malicious actors seeking to compromise the underlying infrastructure. The attack requires administrative privileges on the DCNM application itself, indicating that the vulnerability is not easily exploitable through casual means but rather through legitimate administrative access that has been compromised or through privilege escalation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests as SQL injection vulnerabilities within the API processing logic, where input validation and parameter sanitization mechanisms fail to properly handle user-supplied data. When the REST and SOAP endpoints process API requests containing malicious SQL payloads, the system fails to adequately sanitize or escape these inputs before incorporating them into database queries. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the context of the database user account, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications. The attack vector requires network access to the DCNM system and authentication to the administrative interface, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that could be leveraged for extensive system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns, as it could enable attackers to gain comprehensive control over the data center network management functions. Successful exploitation could allow adversaries to manipulate network configurations, access sensitive network topology information, or even disrupt network operations through database corruption. The vulnerability's severity is significantly amplified when combined with other authentication bypass vulnerabilities described in the same advisory, as this creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially achieve administrative access through alternative means before exploiting the SQL injection. Organizations utilizing Cisco DCNM are particularly vulnerable because the system serves as a central management point for complex data center networks, making the potential impact of such exploitation substantial. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the security architecture of the DCNM platform, as it allows for privilege escalation and data manipulation through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15985 should focus on immediate patch deployment and enhanced access controls. Cisco has released security updates that address the SQL injection vulnerabilities in the affected API endpoints, and organizations must apply these patches as soon as possible. In addition to patching, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation. The principle of least privilege should be enforced for administrative accounts, ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to the DCNM administrative interface. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual API activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential SQL injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which covers network service scanning, indicating that exploitation would likely involve both authentication and network reconnaissance phases. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of the DCNM environment should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.