CVE-2019-16099 in EdgeConnect SD-WAN
Summary
by MITRE
Silver Peak EdgeConnect SD-WAN before 8.1.7.x allows CSRF via JSON data to a .swf file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16099 affects Silver Peak EdgeConnect SD-WAN appliances running versions prior to 8.1.7.x, representing a critical cross-site request forgery weakness that exploits the handling of JSON data within .swf files. This flaw resides in the web-based management interface of the SD-WAN solution, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments to manage distributed network infrastructure across multiple locations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes JSON data submitted through a .swf file, which are Adobe Flash files typically used for rich internet applications and interactive content within the management interface. The exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious requests that leverage the Flash file's ability to process JSON data, bypassing standard security mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized modifications to the system configuration.
The technical implementation of this CSRF vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and verification of the source of JSON data within the .swf file processing pipeline. When a legitimate user authenticates to the EdgeConnect management interface, their session remains active and authenticated, but the system fails to properly validate that the JSON data submitted through the Flash file originates from an authorized source. This creates a scenario where an attacker can trick a logged-in administrator into executing malicious commands through a specially crafted web page that contains embedded Flash content. The attack vector relies on the browser's automatic handling of cookies and session information, which the system does not adequately verify when processing the .swf file data. This weakness falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities, where the system fails to validate the origin of requests that modify state or configuration data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in SD-WAN environments where administrators may have elevated privileges and access to critical network infrastructure management functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized administrative actions on the EdgeConnect appliances. An attacker could potentially modify network configurations, alter security policies, disable critical services, or even establish persistent access points within the SD-WAN infrastructure. The implications are severe in enterprise environments where SD-WAN solutions manage critical network connectivity for branch offices, data centers, and remote workers, as the compromise of a single appliance could disrupt network operations across multiple locations. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication credentials for the attack itself, as it leverages the existing authenticated session of a legitimate administrator. This makes the attack particularly stealthy and difficult to detect, as it appears to originate from a legitimate user within the organization. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers Valid Accounts, and T1566 which covers Phishing, as the attack typically requires social engineering to get a privileged user to visit a malicious page containing the exploit.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigations to address this vulnerability, beginning with upgrading to Silver Peak EdgeConnect SD-WAN version 8.1.7.x or later, which contains the necessary patches to validate JSON data processing within .swf files. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit administrative access to the management interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can help detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable .swf file processing functionality. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual administrative activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around configuration changes and network policy modifications. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that the mitigations are effective and to identify any additional vulnerabilities within the SD-WAN infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing all components within web-based management interfaces, particularly those utilizing legacy technologies like Flash, which are increasingly deprecated due to security concerns and should be phased out in favor of modern web standards.