CVE-2019-1960 in Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (NFVIS) could allow an authenticated, local attacker to read arbitrary files on the underlying operating system (OS) of an affected device. For more information about these vulnerabilities, see the Details section of this advisory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software version 2.4.0 and earlier contains multiple vulnerabilities that enable authenticated local attackers to perform arbitrary file reads on the underlying operating system of affected devices. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the NFVIS software stack, creating a path for privilege escalation and information disclosure. The flaw allows an attacker with valid credentials to bypass normal access restrictions and access sensitive files that should remain protected within the system's file hierarchy.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of file access mechanisms within the NFVIS software components that manage system resources and user permissions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific input parameters or using authorized access points to traverse file system boundaries and retrieve unauthorized data. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation issue that operates within the context of the existing user session, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal additional privileges beyond legitimate authentication.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network infrastructure security as it enables attackers to access critical system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive operational information that could be used for further attacks or system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system instability and unauthorized access to network management functions. Organizations using Cisco NFVIS software are particularly vulnerable as the attack vector requires only local authentication, making it accessible to insiders or attackers who have obtained legitimate user credentials.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness allows attackers to access files and directories that are stored outside the intended directory, typically by manipulating variables that reference file paths. The attack pattern follows standard techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers leverage legitimate user credentials to access system resources.
Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected systems to the latest software versions that address the file access control vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement strict access control policies and monitor system logs for unauthorized file access attempts. Network segmentation and privilege minimization practices should be enforced to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in the broader network infrastructure. The recommended remediation approach involves applying Cisco's official security patches while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of system access patterns to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.