CVE-2015-0666 is a directory traversal vulnerability found in the fmserver servlet of Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) versions prior to 7.1(1). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files through crafted pathnames. The severity level is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating significant risk to organizations that have not yet patched their systems.
The real-world implications of this vulnerability are substantial. Attackers can exploit it to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially leading to data breaches. As this vulnerability is actively tracked in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should prioritize remediation to prevent exploitation.
Organizations must address CVE-2015-0666 in their patch management cycles. The urgency for defenders is critical as failure to patch could expose sensitive data to malicious actors. Immediate action is necessary to secure affected systems.
In summary, CVE-2015-0666 poses a high risk due to its ability to allow remote file read operations. Organizations using affected versions of Cisco Prime DCNM should implement updates as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that it allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted pathname. The vulnerability affects Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) before version 7.1(1) and is cataloged under Bug ID CSCus00241.
According to the CVSSv3.1 metrics, the attack vector is network-based, complexity is low, and no privileges or user interaction are required. The confidentiality impact is rated high, while integrity and availability impacts are rated as none. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high severity level, requiring immediate attention.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2015-0666 is a flaw in the fmserver servlet that permits directory traversal attacks. This allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability by sending carefully crafted requests, which can lead to unauthorized file access on the server. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without any physical access to the device.
The attack complexity is low, as it does not require special conditions to be met, making it easier for threat actors to exploit. Furthermore, the vulnerability does not require any user interaction, which simplifies the exploitation process.
Given the high confidentiality impact, organizations must take steps to protect sensitive data from exposure. The integrity and availability impacts are rated as none, suggesting that while the data may be accessed, it is not modified or disrupted during the exploit.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) in various organizations raises the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. As the attack surface expands, the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data increases. The blast radius for this vulnerability could affect multiple components within an organization's infrastructure.
Organizations should evaluate the urgency of addressing this vulnerability based on its CVSS score, the presence in the KEV catalog, and the EPSS score indicating a high likelihood of exploitation. The risk associated with the vulnerability is significant and organizations must act quickly to mitigate it.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager include all versions prior to 7.1(1), specifically versions 6.3(1), 6.3(2), and 7.0(1). It is critical for organizations to ensure they are using updated software to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the necessary updates as per Cisco's instructions to address CVE-2015-0666 promptly. Upgrading to a version beyond 7.1(1) is essential to eliminate this vulnerability. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, temporary workarounds may include restricting access to the fmserver servlet and implementing network controls.
For further guidance, organizations can review our penetration testing services to validate the effectiveness of their remediation efforts.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2015-0666, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, especially requests targeting the fmserver servlet. Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized file access attempts, should also be flagged for review. Implementing network signatures that detect directory traversal patterns can be beneficial in identifying malicious activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2015-0666 reflects a persistent trend in vulnerabilities related to directory traversal in web applications. As organizations transition to cloud-based solutions, understanding and mitigating such vulnerabilities becomes crucial. Security teams must prioritize rigorous testing and continuous monitoring to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices. Organizations should consider adopting a comprehensive web application security testing strategy to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
For further insights, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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