[Full-Disclosure] Cisco Security Advisory: ACNS Denial of Service and Default Admin Password Vulnerabilities

From: Cisco Systems Product Security Incident Response Team (psirt_at_cisco.com)
Date: 02/24/05

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    Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Security Advisory: ACNS Denial of
    Service and Default Admin Password Vulnerabilities
    ======================================================================

    Revision 1.0

    For Public Release 2005 February 24 1600 UTC (GMT)

    Contents
    ========

        Summary
        Affected Products
        Details
        Impact
        Software Versions and Fixes
        Obtaining Fixed Software
        Workarounds
        Exploitation and Public Announcements
        Status of This Notice: FINAL
        Distribution
        Revision History
        Cisco Security Procedures
       

    Summary
    =======

    Devices running Cisco Application and Content Networking System
    (ACNS) software may be vulnerable to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
    and may contain a default password for the administrative account.
    Devices running ACNS software may be vulnerable to the DoS attacks
    while configured as a transparent proxy server, forward proxy server,
    or reverse proxy server. Cisco has made free software available to
    address the DoS vulnerabilities for all affected customers. The
    administrative account default password does not require a software
    upgrade and can be changed by a configuration command for all
    affected customers. There are workarounds available to mitigate the
    effects of two of the vulnerabilities.

    The vulnerabilities are documented as the following Cisco Bug IDs:

      * CSCef27476
      * CSCef30460
      * CSCeg49648
      * CSCeg23731
      * CSCef30743

    This advisory is posted at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20050224-acnsdos.shtml.

    Affected Products
    =================

    Vulnerable Products
    - -----------------

    +---------------------------------+
    | DDTS Bug ID |Vulnerable ACNS |
    | | Versions |
    |----------------+----------------|
    | |5.0 prior to |
    | |release 5.0.17.6|
    |CSCef27476 |----------------|
    | |5.1 prior to |
    | |release 5.1.11.6|
    |----------------+----------------|
    | |All 4.X releases|
    | |----------------|
    |CSCef30460 |All 5.0 releases|
    | |----------------|
    | |5.1 prior to |
    | |release 5.1.11.6|
    |----------------+----------------|
    |CSCeg49648 |All 5.1 releases|
    |----------------+----------------|
    | |All 5.0 releases|
    | |----------------|
    | |5.1 prior to |
    |CSCeg23731 |release 5.1.13.7|
    | |----------------|
    | |5.2 prior to |
    | |release 5.2.3.9 |
    |----------------+----------------|
    | |All 4.X releases|
    | |----------------|
    | |All 5.0 releases|
    |CSCef30743 |----------------|
    | |All 5.1 releases|
    | |----------------|
    | |All 5.2 releases|
    +---------------------------------+

    The hardware models that support ACNS are:

      * Cisco 500 Series Content Engines
      * Cisco 7300 Series Content Engines
      * Cisco Content Routers 4400 series
      * Cisco Content Distribution Manager 4600 series
      * Cisco Content Engine Module for Cisco 2600, 2800, 3600, 3700, and
        3800 series Integrated Service Routers

    To determine the ACNS software running on a supported device, log in
    to the device and issue the "show version" command to display the
    system banner. Cisco ACNS Software will identify itself as
    Application and Content Networking System Software (ACNS) . Below the
    copyright information the ACNS release and build information is
    displayed.

    The following example identifies a Cisco device running ACNS software
    release 5.1.5.2:

        Application and Content Networking System Software (ACNS)
         
        Copyright 1999-2003 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
         
        Application and Content Networking System Software Release 5.1.5
        (build b2 Mar 30 2004)

    To match the release and build information from the device with the
    software release information in this advisory and available on CCO,
    append the release with the build code and replace the lowercase 'b'
    with a dot (example: 5.1.5b2 becomes 5.1.5.2)

    Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
    - -------------------------------

    No other Cisco products are currently known to be affected by these
    vulnerabilities.

    Details
    =======

    ACNS software provides web application acceleration and caching
    services. Cisco ACNS software combines the technologies of
    demand-pull caching, pre-positioning, and live and on-demand
    streaming to accelerate delivery of web applications, object files,
    live events, and video. Bandwidth-intensive content objects, such as
    Java applets, Flash animations, Shockwave programs, and other file
    formats can be managed and scheduled for distribution to Content
    Engines during off-peak hours.

    Cisco ACNS software may be vulnerable to four DoS attacks and may
    contain a default password for the administrative account. Devices
    running ACNS software may be vulnerable to the DoS attacks while
    configured as a transparent proxy server, forward proxy server, or
    reverse proxy server. The issues are detailed below:

      * CSCef27476 - A specifically crafted Transmission Control Protocol
        (TCP) connection may cause the ACNS cache process to restart
        resulting in a loss of cached information and degraded service of
        web browser content requests. Repeated exploitation could result
        in a sustained DoS attack against the caching functionality of
        the device.

      * CSCef30460 - Certain malformed IP packets may cause the CPU
        utilization on the affected device to go to 100% resulting in a
        degradation of all services. A reboot of the device is required
        to recover from the high CPU. Repeated exploitation could result
        in a sustained DoS attack.

      * CSCeg49648 - Certain malformed packets may cause the RealServer
        RealSubscriber to consume 100% of the affected device s CPU
        resulting in a degradation of all services. A reboot of the
        device is required to recover from the high CPU. Repeated
        exploitation could result in a sustained DoS attack.

      * CSCeg23731 - Certain crafted IP packets may cause the ACNS to
        continuously forward copies of the crafted packet until all
        network bandwidth is consumed and network utilization reaches
        100%. This could result in a denial of service to the affected
        device and other devices on the same local network segment with
        the affected device. A reboot of the device is required to
        recover from this condition. Repeated exploitation could result
        in a sustained DoS attack to all devices on the local network
        segment.

      * CSCef30743 - The administrative password is set to a default
        password that is the same in all installations if the ACNS setup
        dialog has not been previously run or the administrative password
        has not been manually changed. All enabled services will use the
        default credential.

    Impact
    ======

      * CSCef27476 - Exploitation of this vulnerability may cause a loss
        of cached information and degraded service of web browser content
        requests. Repeated exploitation could result in a sustained DoS
        attack against the caching functionality of the device.

      * CSCef30460 - Exploitation of this vulnerability may cause a
        degradation of all services provided by the affected device.
        Repeated exploitation could result in a sustained DoS attack.

      * CSCeg49648 - Exploitation of this vulnerability may cause a
        degradation of all services provided by the affected device.
        Repeated exploitation could result in a sustained DoS attack.

      * CSCeg23731 - Exploitation of this vulnerability may cause a
        denial of service to the affected device and other devices on the
        same local network segment Repeated exploitation could result in
        a sustained DoS attack.

      * CSCef30743 - An attacker who is able to log into an ACNS device
        using the default administrative password has full control of the
        device, which includes the ability to change device
        configurations.

    Software Versions and Fixes
    ===========================

    When considering software upgrades, please also consult
    http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_advisories_listing.html
    and any subsequent advisories to determine exposure and a complete
    upgrade solution.

    In all cases, customers should exercise caution to be certain the
    devices to be upgraded contain sufficient memory and that current
    hardware and software configurations will continue to be supported
    properly by the new release. If the information is not clear, contact
    the Cisco Technical Assistance Center ("TAC") for assistance.

    +--------------------------------------+
    | | Vulnerable | Fixed |
    |DDTS Bug ID| ACNS | Versions |
    | | Versions | |
    |-----------+------------+-------------|
    | |5.0 prior to|5.0.17.6 and |
    | |release |later |
    | |5.0.17.6 | |
    |CSCef27476 |------------+-------------|
    | |5.1 prior to|5.1.11.6 and |
    | |release |later |
    | |5.1.11.6 | |
    |-----------+------------+-------------|
    | |All 4.X |Upgrade to |
    | |releases |5.1.11.6 and |
    | | |later |
    | |------------+-------------|
    | |All 5.0 |Upgrade to |
    |CSCef30460 |releases |5.1.11.6 and |
    | | |later |
    | |------------+-------------|
    | |5.1 prior to|5.1.11.6 and |
    | |release |later |
    | |5.1.11.6 | |
    |-----------+------------+-------------|
    | |All 5.1 |Upgrade to |
    |CSCeg49648 |releases |5.2.1.7 or |
    | | |later |
    |-----------+------------+-------------|
    | | |Upgrade to |
    | | |5.1.13.7 and |
    | |All 5.0 |later or |
    | |releases |upgrade to |
    | | |5.2.3.9 and |
    | | |later |
    |CSCeg23731 |------------+-------------|
    | |5.1 prior to|5.1.13.7 and |
    | |release |later |
    | |5.1.13.7 | |
    | |------------+-------------|
    | |5.2 prior to|5.2.3.9 and |
    | |release |later |
    | |5.2.3.9 | |
    |-----------+------------+-------------|
    | | |Upgrade not |
    | | |required. |
    | |All 4.X, |Implement the|
    | |5.0, 5.1, |workaround |
    |CSCef30743 |and 5.2 |detailed in |
    | |releases |the |
    | | |Workarounds |
    | | |section if |
    | | |necessary |
    +--------------------------------------+

    Upgrade procedures can be found in the following documents:

    * Cisco ACNS Software Deployment and Configuration Guide, Release
      5.0 Chapter 10: Upgrading and Downgrading the Software

      http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce/acns50/deploy50/50upgrd.htm

      Note: This procedure includes steps for migrating from 4.X software
      to ACNS 5.X software

    * Cisco ACNS Software Deployment and Configuration Guide, Release
      5.1 Chapter 15: Upgrading and Downgrading the Software
        
      http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce/acns51/deploy51/51upgrd.htm

      Note: This procedure includes steps for migrating from 4.X software
      to ACNS 5.X software

    * Cisco ACNS Software Configuration Guide for Centrally Managed
      Deployments, Release 5.2 Chapter 17: Upgrading and Downgrading
      the Software

      http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce/acns52/dcg52/5645upgd.htm

      Note: This procedure includes steps for migrating from 4.X software
      to ACNS 5.X software

    Obtaining Fixed Software
    ========================

    Customers with Service Contracts
    - ------------------------------

    Customers with contracts should obtain upgraded software through
    their regular update channels. For most customers, this means that
    upgrades should be obtained through the Software Center on Cisco's
    worldwide website at http://www.cisco.com.

    Customers using Third-party Support Organizations
    - -----------------------------------------------

    Customers whose Cisco products are provided or maintained through
    prior or existing agreement with third-party support organizations
    such as Cisco Partners, authorized resellers, or service providers
    should contact that support organization for assistance with the
    upgrade, which should be free of charge.

    Customers without Service Contracts
    - ---------------------------------

    Customers who purchase direct from Cisco but who do not hold a Cisco
    service contract and customers who purchase through third-party
    vendors but are unsuccessful at obtaining fixed software through
    their point of sale should get their upgrades by contacting the Cisco
    Technical Assistance Center (TAC). TAC contacts are as follows.

      * +1 800 553 2447 (toll free from within North America)
      * +1 408 526 7209 (toll call from anywhere in the world)
      * e-mail: tac@cisco.com

    If you need assistance with the implementation of the workarounds, or
    have questions on the workarounds, please contact the Cisco TAC.

    Please have your product serial number available and give the URL of
    this notice as evidence of your entitlement to a free upgrade. Free
    upgrades for non-contract customers must be requested through the
    TAC.

    Please do not contact either "psirt@cisco.com" or
    "security-alert@cisco.com" for software upgrades.

    See http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml for
    additional TAC contact information, including special localized
    telephone numbers and instructions and e-mail addresses for use in
    various languages.

    Customers may only install and expect support for the feature sets
    they have purchased. By installing, downloading, accessing or
    otherwise using such software upgrades, customers agree to be bound
    by the terms of Cisco's software license terms found at
    http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-license-agreement.html, or as otherwise
    set forth at Cisco.com Downloads at
    http://www.cisco.com/public/sw-center/sw-usingswc.shtml.

    Workarounds
    ===========

    The effectiveness of any workaround is dependent on specific customer
    situations such as product mix, network topology, traffic behavior,
    and organizational mission. Due to the variety of affected products
    and releases, customers should consult with their service provider or
    support organization to ensure any applied workaround is the most
    appropriate for use in the intended network before it is deployed.

      * For Denial of Service vulnerability CSCeg49648. RealServer
        RealSubscriber if it is running. By default the RealServer
        RealSubscriber is disabled. Disabling RealServer RealSubscriber
        will prevent the ACNS device from acting as a RealServer
        streaming media caching subscriber. To verify if the RealServer
        RealSubscriber is running, use the command "show rtsp server
        real-subscriber". The following output shows an enabled
        RealServer RealSubscriber:

     
           cacheengine#show rtsp server
     
           Real Subscriber version: ce7325-9.0.2.855
           Real Subscriber enabled
           Real Subscriber running
           Real Subscriber end user license agreement accepted
           Real Subscriber evaluation enabled. Estimated 17 days 21 hours
           left for evaluation.
           Real Subscriber license key not installed
           Real Subscriber bandwidth enforced is 522240 kbps
     
     

        To disable the RealServer RealSubscriber, use the command "no rtsp
        server real-subscriber enable" while in global configuration mode
        as shown below:

           cacheengine#configure terminal
           cacheengine(config)#no rtsp server real-subscriber enable
           cacheengine(config)#exit

        The following output shows a disabled RealServer RealSubscriber:

           cacheengine# show rtsp server real-subscriber
     
           Real Subscriber version: ce7325-9.0.2.855
           Real Subscriber not enabled
           Real Subscriber not running
           Real Subscriber end user license agreement accepted
           Real Subscriber evaluation enabled. Estimated 17 days 21 hours
           left for evaluation.
           Real Subscriber license key not installed
           Real Subscriber bandwidth enforced is 522240 kbps

        More information about the RealServer RealSubscriber
        implementation can be found in the Enabling RealSubscriber
        section of the Cisco ACNS Software Deployment and Configuration
        Guide, Release 5.1.

        http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce
        /acns51/deploy51/51stream.htm#wp1039106

      * For the potential default password issue CSCef30743, if the
        "setup dialog" has been previously run or the administrative
        password previously changed the workaround is not required. If
        the "setup dialog" has not been run or the administrative
        password has not been changed, the workaround is to manually
        change the "admin" account password. To change the default
        password, users should run the "username" command once they have
        logged in as the "admin" user. The following interaction shows an
        example of a change password dialog on a Content Engine that is
        performed via the console port:

          Username: admin
          Password:
          System Initialization Finished.
          Cacheengine#configure terminal
          cacheengine(config)#username admin password <password>

        More information about the username command can be found at:

          * Cisco ACNS 5.2 Software Commands - username
          http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce
          /acns52/cref52/5754ref.htm#wp1058250

     
          * Cisco ACNS 5.1 Software Commands - username
          http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce
          /acns51/cref51/4068ref.htm#1058250
     

          * Cisco ACNS 5.0 Software Commands - username
          http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce
          /acns50/cref50/14623ref.htm#2395638
     

          * Cisco ACNS 4.2 Software Commands - username
          http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/uce
          /acns42/cmdref42/14388ref.htm#1035531

      * For the Denial of Service vulnerabilities CSCef27476, CSCef30460,
        and CSCeg23731, access-control lists (ACLs) can be used to reduce
        exposure to these vulnerabilities. Configure ACLs on the ACNS
        device and on screening routers, switches and firewalls that
        filter internal and external traffic to the ACNS device so that
        IP traffic is only allowed from legitimate, trusted IP addresses.

          * Refer to
            http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/
            uce/acns52/ldg52/acls.htm
            for information on creating and managing IP access control
            lists for standalone content engines.
            
          * Refer to
            http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/webscale/
            uce/acns52/dcg52/5645acl.htm
            for information on creating and managing IP access
            control lists for centrally managed content engines.
            
          * Refer to
            http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/tacl.html
            for examples on how to apply ACLs on Cisco routers.
            
          * For more information on anti-spoofing, refer to
            http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk648/tk361/
            technologies_tech_note09186a0080120f48.shtml#sec_ip
            and
            http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2827.txt

          * The Unicast Reverse Path Forwarding (Unicast RPF) feature
            helps to mitigate problems that are caused by spoofed IP
            source addresses. It is available on Cisco routers and
            firewalls. For further details, please refer to
            http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/software/
            ios122/122cgcr/fsecur_c/fothersf/scfrpf.htm.

    Exploitation and Public Announcements
    =====================================

    The Cisco PSIRT is not aware of any public announcements or malicious
    use of the vulnerability described in this advisory.

    Status of This Notice: FINAL
    ============================

    THIS ADVISORY IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND DOES NOT IMPLY ANY
    KIND OF GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF
    MERCHANTABILITY. YOUR USE OF THE INFORMATION ON THE ADVISORY OR
    MATERIALS LINKED FROM THE ADVISORY IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. CISCO
    RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR UPDATE THIS NOTICE AT ANY TIME.

    A stand-alone copy or paraphrase of the text of this security
    advisory that omits the distribution URL in the following section is
    an uncontrolled copy, and may lack important information or contain
    factual errors.

    Distribution
    ============

    This advisory is posted on Cisco's worldwide website at
    http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20050224-acnsdos.shtml.

    In addition to worldwide web posting, a text version of this notice
    is clear-signed with the Cisco PSIRT PGP key and is posted to the
    following e-mail and Usenet news recipients.

      * cust-security-announce@cisco.com
      * first-teams@first.org (includes CERT/CC)
      * bugtraq@securityfocus.com
      * vulnwatch@vulnwatch.org
      * cisco@spot.colorado.edu
      * cisco-nsp@puck.nether.net
      * full-disclosure@lists.netsys.com
      * comp.dcom.sys.cisco@newsgate.cisco.com

    Future updates of this advisory, if any, will be placed on Cisco's
    worldwide website, but may or may not be actively announced on
    mailing lists or newsgroups. Users concerned about this problem are
    encouraged to check the above URL for any updates.

    Revision History
    ================

    +--------------------------------------+
    |Revision | |Initial |
    |1.0 |2005-February-24 |public |
    | | |release. |
    +--------------------------------------+

    Cisco Security Procedures
    =========================

    Complete information on reporting security vulnerabilities in Cisco
    products, obtaining assistance with security incidents, and
    registering to receive security information from Cisco, is available
    on Cisco's worldwide website at
    http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html.
    This includes instructions for press inquiries regarding Cisco security notices.
    All Cisco security advisories are available at
    http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt.

    All contents are Copyright © 1992-2005 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights
    reserved.

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