CVE-2017-12251
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Cisco Cloud Services Platform 2100 allows authenticated remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access virtual machines hosted on the CSP device. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in URL authentication generation to compromise VM confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Affected systems are running specific CSP software releases.
💻 Affected Systems
- Cisco Cloud Services Platform (CSP) 2100
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of hosted virtual machines leading to data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the CSP environment.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to specific VMs resulting in data exposure and potential service manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent authenticated attackers from reaching the CSP web console.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and involves manipulating URL patterns to bypass authentication controls.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.2.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20171018-ccs
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download CSP software version 2.2.3 or later from Cisco. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Apply the update through the CSP web console or CLI. 4. Reboot the CSP device as required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Web Console Access
allLimit access to the CSP web console to trusted networks and IP addresses only.
Configure network ACLs to restrict access to CSP management interfaces
Disable Unused VMs
allPower down or remove unnecessary virtual machines to reduce attack surface.
Use CSP web console or CLI to manage VM states
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate CSP management interfaces from untrusted networks
- Implement strict authentication and monitoring for all CSP console access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check CSP software version via web console or CLI. If version is 2.1.0-2.2.2, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
show version (CLI) or check System Information in web consoleVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm CSP software version is 2.2.3 or later after patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual authentication patterns in CSP logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful VM access
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected connections to VM management ports from CSP console IPs
SIEM Query:
source="csp_logs" AND (event_type="auth_bypass" OR pattern="CSCve64690")🔗 References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101487
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039613
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20171018-ccs
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/101487
- http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1039613
- https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20171018-ccs
