CVE-2019-1861 in Industrial Network Director
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the software update feature of Cisco Industrial Network Director could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of files uploaded to the affected application. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the affected system using administrator privileges and uploading an arbitrary file. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1861 resides within Cisco Industrial Network Director's software update functionality, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial network management systems. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of authentication bypass and privilege escalation vectors, creating a dangerous attack surface for malicious actors targeting industrial control systems. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate file uploads, creating an avenue for attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute malicious code within the system's operational environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which specifically addresses insecure file upload mechanisms where applications fail to adequately validate or sanitize uploaded files before processing them. The improper validation occurs during the file upload process, where the system does not sufficiently verify the file type, content, or origin of uploaded software updates. This weakness allows attackers to upload malicious files that can be executed with the privileges of the authenticated administrator account, effectively providing a backdoor into the industrial network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only valid administrative credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is limited but still exists.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-1861 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial networks that rely on Cisco Industrial Network Director for network management and monitoring. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to disruption of industrial operations, data exfiltration, or even physical damage to industrial equipment through malicious firmware updates. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics aligned with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access, and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, indicating the attacker can execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where network directors are used to manage critical infrastructure components such as programmable logic controllers, remote terminal units, and other operational technology devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-1861 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with Cisco's security updates, as well as implementation of additional security controls to limit the attack surface. Organizations should enforce strict access controls and implement principle of least privilege for administrative accounts, ensuring that only essential personnel have access to the software update functionality. Network segmentation and monitoring of file upload activities can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing file type restrictions, content validation, and automated scanning of uploaded files to prevent malicious code execution. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial control systems, particularly when dealing with software update mechanisms that require elevated privileges. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of industrial network management systems can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.