CVE-2019-1723 in Common Services Platform Collector
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to access an affected device by using an account that has a default, static password. This account does not have administrator privileges. The vulnerability exists because the affected software has a user account with a default, static password. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by remotely connecting to the affected system using this account. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to log in to the CSPC using the default account. For Cisco CSPC 2.7.x, Cisco fixed this vulnerability in Release 2.7.4.6. For Cisco CSPC 2.8.x, Cisco fixed this vulnerability in Release 2.8.1.2.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1723 affects the Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) and represents a critical authentication flaw that enables unauthenticated remote access to affected devices. This weakness stems from the inclusion of a default account with a static password within the software implementation, creating an inherent security risk that persists across multiple versions of the platform. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, making it a prime example of poor security hygiene in software development practices. The affected systems include Cisco CSPC versions 2.7.x and 2.8.x, where the default account remains accessible without proper authentication mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal effort from threat actors, as the default account credentials are publicly known and do not require any specialized tools or techniques for discovery. Attackers can remotely connect to the affected system using the hardcoded credentials, bypassing normal authentication procedures entirely. This flaw operates at the authentication layer of the security stack, fundamentally undermining the system's ability to verify user identities properly. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to establish a foothold within the network without needing to perform additional reconnaissance or exploit other weaknesses. The default account, while lacking administrative privileges, provides sufficient access to potentially gather sensitive information, monitor system activities, and serve as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors at any time. Network defenders face significant challenges when dealing with such vulnerabilities because they often remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain access without raising immediate alarms. The vulnerability's presence in multiple software versions means that organizations running affected releases face ongoing exposure, regardless of their security monitoring capabilities. This type of flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement and persistence, as the default account can be leveraged for reconnaissance and further compromise of the network. Organizations may experience data exfiltration, system monitoring, or use of the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network segments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate remediation through software updates and configuration changes. Cisco has addressed this issue in specific releases, with version 2.7.4.6 for CSPC 2.7.x and 2.8.1.2 for CSPC 2.8.x, making patch management a critical component of the remediation process. Organizations should implement immediate patch deployment procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates. Additionally, security configurations should include disabling or removing default accounts that are not required for system operation, following the principle of least privilege. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts, particularly those involving default credentials. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure configuration management and the need for organizations to regularly audit their systems for hard-coded credentials and default accounts that could provide unauthorized access paths. Security teams should also implement automated scanning tools to identify and remediate similar issues across their infrastructure, as default credentials remain a persistent threat vector in enterprise environments.