Cisco Security Advisory
Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Custom Binary Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
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A vulnerability in the build procedure for certain executable system files installed at boot time on Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) devices could allow an authenticated, local attacker to gain root-level privileges.
The vulnerability is due to a custom executable system file that was built to use relative search paths for libraries without properly validating the library to be loaded. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to the device and loading a malicious library that can escalate the privilege level. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain root-level privileges and take full control of the device. The attacker must have valid user credentials to log in to the device.
Cisco has released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
This advisory is available at the following link:
https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20170816-apic2
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Vulnerable Products
This vulnerability affects Cisco APIC if running software release 1.0(1e) until the first fixed release. For information about fixed software releases, consult the Fixed Software section of this advisory.
To determine which release of APIC is running on a device, administrators can use the CLI command show version. The following example shows the output of the command for a device running software release 1.2(3m):
APIC# show version
Role Id Name Version
---------- ---------- ------------------------ --------------------
controller 1 APIC 1.2(3m)
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.Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
No other Cisco products are currently known to be affected by this vulnerability.
Cisco has confirmed that this vulnerability does not affect Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Enterprise Module (APIC-EM).
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There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
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Cisco has released free software updates that address the vulnerability described in this advisory. Customers may only install and expect support for software versions and feature sets for which they have purchased a license. By installing, downloading, accessing, or otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to follow the terms of the Cisco software license: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/general/warranty/English/EU1KEN_.html
Additionally, customers may only download software for which they have a valid license, procured from Cisco directly, or through a Cisco authorized reseller or partner. In most cases this will be a maintenance upgrade to software that was previously purchased. Free security software updates do not entitle customers to a new software license, additional software feature sets, or major revision upgrades.
When considering software upgrades, customers are advised to regularly consult the advisories for Cisco products, which are available from the Cisco Security Advisories and Alerts page, to determine exposure and a complete upgrade solution.
In all cases, customers should ensure that the devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and confirm that current hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, customers are advised to contact the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or their contracted maintenance providers.
Customers Without Service Contracts
Customers who purchase directly from Cisco but do not hold a Cisco service contract and customers who make purchases through third-party vendors but are unsuccessful in obtaining fixed software through their point of sale should obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco TAC: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/support/tsd_cisco_worldwide_contacts.html
Customers should have the product serial number available and be prepared to provide the URL of this advisory as evidence of entitlement to a free upgrade.
Fixed Releases
Customers should upgrade to an appropriate release as indicated in the table in this section. To help ensure a complete upgrade solution, consider that this advisory is part of a collection that includes the following advisories:
- cisco-sa-20170816-apic1: Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller SSH Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- cisco-sa-20170816-apic2: Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Custom Binary Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller First Fixed Release for This Vulnerability Recommended Release for This Vulnerability and All Vulnerabilities Described in the Collection of Advisories Prior to 2.0
Vulnerable; migrate to 2.2(2e)
2.2(2e)
2.0
Vulnerable; migrate to 2.2(2e)
2.2(2e) 2.1 Vulnerable; migrate to 2.2(2e) 2.2(2e) 2.2 2.2(2e) 2.2(2e) 2.3 2.3(1f) 2.3(1f) 3.0 (future release)
Not Vulnerable
Not Vulnerable
The software updates can be downloaded from the Software Center on Cisco.com by navigating to Products > Cloud and Systems Management > Policy and Automation Controllers > Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC).
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The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
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This vulnerability was found and reported to Cisco by Security Researcher Mgr. Lubomir Vesely.
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To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
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Version Description Section Status Date 1.0 Initial public release. - Final 2017-August-16
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