CVE-2019-1794 in Directory Connector
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the search path processing of Cisco Directory Connector could allow an authenticated, local attacker to load a binary of their choosing. The vulnerability is due to uncontrolled search path elements. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by placing a binary of their choosing earlier in the search path utilized by Cisco Directory Connector to locate and load required resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1794 resides within Cisco Directory Connector, a component designed to facilitate integration between Cisco products and directory services such as Microsoft Active Directory. This authentication mechanism enables secure communication between enterprise systems and directory servers, making it a critical element in network infrastructure. The flaw manifests in how the application processes search paths during resource loading operations, creating an exploitable condition that could compromise system integrity.
This vulnerability stems from uncontrolled search path elements, representing a classic software security weakness that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-427. The issue occurs when the application fails to properly validate or control the sequence of directories searched for required resources, allowing an attacker to manipulate the system's resource resolution process. The root cause lies in the application's failure to implement proper path sanitization and validation mechanisms, enabling arbitrary code execution through malicious binary placement.
An authenticated local attacker with sufficient privileges can exploit this vulnerability by strategically placing a malicious binary at an earlier position within the search path hierarchy. This manipulation allows the system to load and execute the attacker's code instead of the legitimate resource, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as this vulnerability can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads within the compromised environment.
The security implications of CVE-2019-1794 align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Cisco Directory Connector is deployed, potentially providing attackers with a foothold for lateral movement within networks. The exploit requires local system access and authentication, but once successful, can enable attackers to compromise the entire directory service integration infrastructure, affecting multiple connected Cisco products and potentially exposing sensitive enterprise data.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper path validation controls and ensuring that search paths are strictly controlled and validated. Organizations should apply Cisco's official security patches and updates immediately upon release, as these address the underlying search path processing issues. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls, regular security assessments of directory integration components, and monitoring for unauthorized binary placement activities can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access control measures should also be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.