CVE-2019-1815 in Meraki MX67
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2025
A security vulnerability was discovered in the local status page functionality of Cisco Meraki’s MX67 and MX68 security appliance models that may allow unauthenticated individuals to access and download logs containing sensitive, privileged device information. The vulnerability is due to improper access control to the files holding debugging and maintenance information, and is only exploitable when the local status page is enabled on the device. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability may obtain access to wireless pre-shared keys, Site-to-Site VPN key and other sensitive information. Under certain circumstances, this information may allow an attacker to obtain administrative-level access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1815 represents a critical access control flaw within Cisco Meraki MX67 and MX68 security appliances that undermines the fundamental security posture of these network devices. This weakness specifically targets the local status page functionality, which serves as an administrative interface for monitoring device operations and accessing diagnostic information. The vulnerability exists because the device fails to properly enforce access controls on sensitive files containing debugging and maintenance data, creating an unauthorized access vector that could compromise the entire security infrastructure. The flaw is particularly concerning as it affects enterprise-grade security appliances that are designed to protect network perimeters, yet contain a backdoor that allows unauthenticated access to privileged information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper implementation of access controls on files that should remain restricted to authorized administrative users only. When the local status page is enabled on affected devices, attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms to access logs and configuration data that typically require administrative privileges to view. This misconfiguration creates a path for attackers to extract sensitive information including wireless pre-shared keys, site-to-site vpn keys, and other critical network credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control, making it a well-documented weakness in software security architecture. The flaw demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where sensitive operational data is exposed without proper authentication verification.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1815 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as the compromised credentials can enable attackers to achieve administrative-level access to the affected devices. When attackers obtain wireless pre-shared keys and vpn credentials, they can establish unauthorized network connections and potentially gain access to the entire network infrastructure protected by these appliances. This vulnerability creates a pathway for lateral movement within networks, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges and compromise additional systems. The attack surface is further expanded because these appliances are typically deployed at network perimeters where they control critical security functions, making the potential for damage substantial. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and default credentials, as attackers can leverage the compromised keys to maintain persistent access to network resources.
Organizations utilizing Cisco Meraki MX67 and MX68 appliances should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including disabling the local status page functionality when not actively required for maintenance purposes. The most effective remediation strategy involves ensuring that administrative access controls are properly enforced on all sensitive data files and that the local status page is disabled by default unless specifically needed for troubleshooting operations. Network administrators should also implement regular monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and establish proper network segmentation to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of affected appliances and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and maintaining strict access control policies for all network security devices, particularly those with administrative interfaces that may be exposed to potential attackers.