CVE-2017-6623 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in a script file installed alongside the Cisco Policy Suite (CPS) Software distribution could allow a local attacker to elevate privileges to root.

Understanding CVE-2017-6623

What is CVE-2017-6623?

This CVE identifies a flaw in the Cisco Policy Suite (CPS) Software distribution that enables a local attacker with authentication to escalate their privileges to root.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6623

The vulnerability allows an attacker to gain root-level privileges and full control over the appliance by exploiting incorrect sudoers permissions on the script file.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6623

Vulnerability Description

The flaw is in a script file alongside the CPS Software distribution, allowing privilege escalation to root.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected software versions: 10.0.0, 10.1.0, and 11.0.0 of the Cisco Policy Suite application.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker authenticates to the device and manipulates user input through the CLI to elevate privileges and execute commands as root.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by Cisco to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to the affected systems to prevent unauthorized exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Conduct security training to educate users on best practices.

Patching and Updates

Cisco has released patches to fix the vulnerability in the affected versions of the Cisco Policy Suite application.