CVE-2020-3302 in FirePOWER Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to overwrite files on the file system of an affected device. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by uploading a crafted file to the web UI on an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to overwrite files on the file system of the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3302 represents a critical security flaw within Cisco Firepower Management Center software that exposes organizations to significant operational risks. This issue affects the web-based user interface of the FMC platform, which serves as the central management console for Cisco's next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify file uploads submitted through the web interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors who have already gained authentication credentials.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who can leverage the web UI to upload maliciously crafted files to the targeted FMC device. This flaw falls under the category of insufficient input validation as classified by CWE-20, which specifically addresses weaknesses in input validation that can lead to various security issues including arbitrary file operations. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file overwrites on the underlying file system of the affected device, potentially enabling attackers to replace critical system files, configuration data, or even malicious code that could persist across system reboots. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the legitimate administrative interface, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2020-3302 could result in complete system compromise, data loss, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The ability to overwrite files on the file system creates opportunities for attackers to modify critical system components, disable security features, or establish persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods. Organizations relying on Cisco FMC for network security management face severe consequences including potential regulatory violations, compliance breaches, and loss of network visibility that could compromise their entire security posture. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely, requiring only valid authentication credentials which can be obtained through various means including credential theft, social engineering, or prior successful attacks on other system components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patch management, network segmentation, and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Organizations must prioritize applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates as soon as they become available, while also implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the number of valid accounts with administrative privileges. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload activities and potential file overwrite operations within the FMC environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including regular security assessments, privileged access management, and robust incident response procedures. Additionally, implementing network access controls to restrict direct access to FMC web interfaces from untrusted networks and maintaining detailed audit logs of all administrative activities will help organizations detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts more effectively.