Overview
A problem with the HTTP server component of Cisco IOS system software allows an intruder to execute privileged commands on Cisco routers if local authentication databases are used.
Description
By sending a particular URL to a Cisco IOS device with the HTTP server enabled, a remote attacker may be able to execute commands at the highest privilege level (15). The malicious URL is of the following form: http://<address>/level/XX/exec/... The value of XX is a number between 16 and 99. While a single malicious URL will not work consistently against all devices, the limited number of possible URLs can allow an attacker to try each URL until the attack succeeds. This problem occurs if the system is using a local authentication database, but not if the Terminal Access Controller Access Control System (TACACS+) or Radius authentication systems are used. Cisco has published a security advisory describing this vulnerability and its solutions, in more detail at: |
Impact
A remote attacker can execute arbitrary commands at the highest privilege level (15) on systems using local authentication databases with the HTTP server enabled. This access allows a remote attacker to inspect or change the configuration of the device, effectively allowing complete control. |
Solution
Upgrade your IOS Release |
Disable the HTTP server
|
Vendor Information
CVSS Metrics
| Group | Score | Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Base | ||
| Temporal | ||
| Environmental |
References
Acknowledgements
The CERT/CC thanks Cisco Systems for their advisory, on which this document is based.
This document was written by Cory F. Cohen.
Other Information
| CVE IDs: | CVE-2001-0537 |
| CERT Advisory: | CA-2001-14 |
| Severity Metric: | 48.45 |
| Date Public: | 2001-06-27 |
| Date First Published: | 2001-06-27 |
| Date Last Updated: | 2004-03-30 18:23 UTC |
| Document Revision: | 19 |