Horizon Alert
Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters
A vulnerability exists within the command-line interface of Cisco NX-OS Software. This flaw could allow an authenticated user with administrator privileges to execute arbitrary commands on the device's operating system with root privileges. This is due to insufficient validation of arguments passed to specific CLI commands.
- Vulnerable component: Cisco NX-OS command-line interface
- Core weakness: Insufficient validation of CLI command arguments
- Main business impact: Unauthorized root command execution on devices
Attack Path
How an attacker could exploit the issue
This vulnerability allows an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on a Cisco NX-OS device. It is triggered by an administrator including specially crafted input as an argument to specific CLI commands. Successful exploitation results in the attacker gaining elevated control over the device's underlying operating system. Organizations using affected Cisco NX-OS devices should be aware of this potential for unauthorized command execution by authenticated users.
- Requires administrator credentials.
- Crafted input to CLI commands.
- Execute arbitrary commands as root.
Live Threat
Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context
A vulnerability in Cisco NX-OS Software's command line interface allows an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the underlying operating system. This occurs due to insufficient validation of arguments within specific configuration commands. Exploitation requires an attacker to already possess administrator credentials on the affected device. The business risk is significant as it allows for complete system compromise. Organizations should treat this as a high-priority item.
- Attacker skill level: Administrator
- Required access: Administrator credentials
- Business risk: High urgency
Priority actions
Operational Fix
Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps
A vulnerability exists in Cisco NX-OS Software's command-line interface that allows an authenticated user with administrator privileges to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the device's operating system. This is due to insufficient validation of arguments passed to specific configuration commands, which could be exploited by including crafted input. The exploitation requires an attacker to already have administrator credentials for the affected device.
- Identify all affected devices.
- Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
- Apply vendor fixes and validate.
- Monitor for related issues.
