CVE-2017-12262 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Cisco Application Policy Infrastructure Controller Enterprise Module (APIC-EM) has a security flaw in its firewall configuration that allows nearby attackers to gain privileged access without authentication.

Understanding CVE-2017-12262

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the firewall configuration of Cisco APIC-EM, potentially leading to unauthorized access to internal network services.

What is CVE-2017-12262?

The vulnerability in Cisco APIC-EM's firewall configuration enables attackers in close proximity to gain elevated privileges and access internal network services without authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12262

Attackers can exploit this flaw to access services limited to the internal network without proper authorization.
The vulnerability arises from an incorrect firewall rule, redirecting traffic from the public interface to the internal virtual network.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12262

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2017-12262.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Cisco APIC-EM's firewall configuration allows unauthorized access to internal network services by exploiting a misconfigured firewall rule.

Affected Systems and Versions

Appliances or virtual devices running Cisco APIC-EM versions prior to 1.5 are vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers near the affected APIC-EM's public interface can leverage the misconfiguration to gain elevated privileges and access internal network services.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2017-12262 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Cisco APIC-EM to version 1.5 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation to limit access to critical services.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit firewall configurations to detect and prevent misconfigurations.
Conduct security awareness training to educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Cisco and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.