CVE-2020-3383 in Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the archive utility of Cisco Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct directory traversal attacks on an affected device. The vulnerability is due to a lack of proper input validation of paths that are embedded within archive files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to an affected device. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to write arbitrary files in the system with the privileges of the logged-in user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3383 resides within the archive utility of Cisco Data Center Network Manager DCNM, a network management platform designed for data center infrastructure. This critical flaw represents a directory traversal vulnerability that undermines the integrity of file handling operations within the system. The vulnerability specifically affects the validation mechanisms that process file paths contained within archive files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the system's file system operations. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input paths, allowing attackers to craft malicious archive files that can bypass normal file system restrictions.
This security weakness enables authenticated remote attackers to execute directory traversal attacks against affected DCNM devices, fundamentally compromising the system's file access controls. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation processes that should normally filter and sanitize file paths before processing them within the archive utility. When an attacker submits a crafted archive file containing malicious path references, the system processes these paths without adequate verification, potentially allowing the attacker to navigate beyond intended directories and access restricted file system locations. The flaw essentially permits arbitrary file write operations, where the attacker can place malicious files at strategic locations within the system's file structure with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively elevating their access level within the compromised environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file system compromise, as it provides attackers with the capability to potentially install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive network management data. Since the exploitation requires only authentication and remote access, it presents a significant risk to data center environments where DCNM is deployed. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of network management operations, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt network services, gain unauthorized access to network configurations, or establish persistent access points within the data center infrastructure. The privilege escalation aspect means that even if an attacker initially gains access with limited user permissions, they can leverage this vulnerability to execute operations with elevated privileges, significantly expanding their control over the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-3383 should focus on implementing proper input validation controls and restricting file system access privileges for the archive utility functions. Organizations should ensure that all archive file processing operations include comprehensive path validation that prevents traversal sequences from being processed. The implementation of principle of least privilege should limit the permissions of the archive utility to only necessary file system operations, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit who can submit archive files to DCNM systems, while regular security updates and patches should be applied promptly to address this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring and logging of archive file operations should be implemented to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as those referenced in CWE-22 for directory traversal vulnerabilities and ATT&CK techniques for privilege escalation and file and directory permissions modifications.