Code execution in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance and Firepower Threat Defense

1) Code Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU88980

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 5.7 [CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:H/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2024-20359

CWE-ID: CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation in a legacy capability that allowed for the preloading of VPN clients and plug-ins. A local user can copy a crafted file to the disk0: file system of an affected device and execute arbitrary code with root privileges.

Note, the vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA): before 9.20.2.10

Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD): before 9.20.2.10

External links

http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-asaftd-persist-rce-FLsNXF4h
http://bst.cloudapps.cisco.com/bugsearch/bug/CSCwi98284
http://blog.talosintelligence.com/arcanedoor-new-espionage-focused-campaign-found-targeting-perimeter-network-devices/

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.