Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Security Agent Vulnerable to Privilege Escalation

From: Cisco Systems Product Security Incident Response Team (psirt_at_cisco.com)
Date: 11/29/05

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    Date: Tuesday, 29 Nov 2005 10:00:00 -0600
    
    

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    Cisco Security Advisory: Cisco Security Agent Vulnerable to Privilege
    Escalation
    =====================================================================

    Advisory ID: cisco-sa-20051129-csa

    http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20051129-csa.shtml

    Revision 1.0

    Last Updated 2005 November 29 1600 UTC (GMT)

    For Public Release 2005 November 29 1600 UTC (GMT)

    +--------------------------------------------------------------------

    Contents

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

    +--------------------------------------------------------------------

    Summary
    =======

    Cisco Security Agent (CSA) is a security software agent that provides
    threat protection for server and desktop computing systems. CSA
    agents can be managed by CiscoWorks VMS Management Center for Cisco
    Security Agents or can be standalone agents running on Cisco IP
    Communications application servers. Standalone agents for Cisco IP
    Communications application servers must be manually installed on the
    IP Communications application server.

    A vulnerability exists in CSA agents that can allow a privilege
    escalation through locally executed software, providing a normal user
    or attacker with local system level privileges on a Windows
    workstation or server running managed or standalone CSA 4.5.0 or
    4.5.1 agents.

    Cisco has made free software available to address this vulnerability
    for affected customers.

    This advisory is posted at
    http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20051129-csa.shtml

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

    Vulnerable Products
    +------------------

    CSA 4.5.0 and 4.5.1 agents managed by CiscoWorks VMS Management
    Center for Cisco Security Agents and standalone agents running on
    Cisco IP Communications application servers are affected when running
    on:

      * Microsoft Windows platforms including:
          + Windows 2003
          + Windows 2000 Server and Advanced Server
          + Windows NT v4.0 Server and Enterprise Server (SP 6a)
          + Windows NT 4 Workstation (SP 6a)
          + Windows 2000 Professional
          + Windows XP Professional
           

      * Cisco CSA 4.5.0 (all builds) managed and standalone agents while
        running on Microsoft Windows
      * Cisco CSA 4.5.1 (all builds) managed and standalone agents while
        running on Microsoft Windows
      * Cisco CSA for CallManager versions 4.5.1 build 628 and 4.5.0
        build 573.
       
        Note: These versions are used by CallManager, Cisco Conference
        Connection (CCC), Emergency Responder, IPCC Express, IP
        Interactive Voice Response (IP IVR), and IP Queue Manager
       
      * Cisco CSA for Intelligent Contact Management (ICM), IPCC
        Enterprise, and IPCC Hosted version 4.5.1 build 616
      * Cisco CSA for Cisco Voice Portal (CVP) 3.0 and 3.1 version 4.5.0
        build 573.
       
        Note: This version is used by CVP 3.0 and 3.1 and CVP VXML
        Server.
       
    Products Confirmed Not Vulnerable
    +--------------------------------

    The following products are confirmed not vulnerable:

      * Cisco CSA 4.0.3 (all builds) and earlier managed and standalone
        agents
      * Cisco CSA 4.0.2 (all builds) and earlier managed and standalone
        agents
      * Cisco CSA 4.0.1 (all builds) and earlier managed and standalone
        agents
      * Cisco CSA 3.x versions
      * Okena Stormwatch 3.x versions
      * Cisco CSA agents running on Solaris
      * Cisco CSA agents running on Linux

    No other Cisco products are currently known to be affected by this
    vulnerability.

    Determining the CSA Client Version
    +---------------------------------

    In order to determine which version of CSA is running on client
    machines, "right click" on the CSA icon in the Windows task bar. On
    the pop-up menu, selecting "About ..." will display the version
    number of the agent in a pop-up window containing text similar to "
    Cisco Security Agent V4.5 build 565."

    Determining the CSA Client Version with the Management Console
    +-------------------------------------------------------------

    You can also determine the CSA version using the Management Console
    for Cisco Security Agent on your CiscoWorks server. Complete these
    steps:

     1. Login at:
        http://ciscoworks-hostname:1741/
     2. Select the "Security Agents" tab under:
          + VPN/Security Management Solution
              o Management Center
                  # Security Agents
        This launchs the "Management Center for Cisco Security Agents."
     3. Within the browser window, locate the tab in the center marked "
        Help."
     4. Click the sub-item labeled "About." The version of the Cisco
        Security Agents appears in a pop-up window containing text
        similar to:
        Management Center for Cisco Security Agents V4.5-1 build 616.

    Note: You can only manage CSA 4.5.X Agents with Version 4.5-X (any
    build) Management Center for Cisco Security Agents.

    Details
    =======

    Cisco Security Agent provides threat protection for server and
    desktop computing systems. Vulnerable versions of Cisco Security
    Agent may allow software executed locally to bypass systems
    protections and run with elevated privileges resulting in normal
    users and attackers obtaining local system level privileges.

    Agent checks configured to prevent malicious software from running on
    a CSA protected system will be active; however, any checks that occur
    after successful exploitation may be bypassed.

    This issue is not related to a Microsoft Operating System issue nor
    can a CSA policy modification change this behavior.

    This vulnerability is documented in the Cisco Bug Toolkit as Bug ID
    CSCsc42373 ( registered customers only)

    For information about local system level privileges, refer to:

      * LocalSystem Account
        http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/
        dllproc/base/localsystem_account.asp

    Impact
    ======

    Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in a normal
    user or attacker gaining full control of the system, including the
    disabling of the CSA agent.

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

    When considering software upgrades, also consult
    http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt
    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") or your contracted
    maintenance provider for assistance.

    The fixed version of the Cisco Security Agent software requires no
    more resources than older 4.5.0 and 4.5.1 builds. It should be
    suitable for any system currently running 4.5.0 or 4.5.1.

      * This issue is fixed in Management Center for Cisco Security
        Agents maintenance version 4.5.1.639.
          + Download from:
            http://www.cisco.com/pcgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa
          + For installation and upgrade procedures:
            http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/secursw/ps5057/
            prod_installation_guides_list.html
      * This issue is fixed in CSA for CallManager version 4.5.1.639.
          + Download from:
            http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cmva-3des
          + For installation and upgrade procedures:
            Installing Cisco Security Agent for Cisco CallManager
            Installing Cisco Security Agent for Cisco Customer Response
            Applications
           
            Note: This version is used by CallManager, CCC, Emergency
            Responder, IPCC Express, IP IVR, and IP Queue Manager.
           
      * This issue is fixed in CSA for ICM, IPCC Enterprise, and IPCC
        Hosted version 4.5.1.639.
          + Download from:
            http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa10-crypto
          + For upgrade procedures, refer to this document:
            CiscoICM70-CSA-Installation-User-Guide.pdf, available at:
            http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa10-crypto
      * This issue is fixed in CSA for CVP 3.0 and 3.1 version 4.5.1.639.
          + Download from:
            http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa-cvp-20
          + For upgrade procedures, refer to this document:
            CiscoCVP-CSA-InstallationGuide.pdf, available at:
            http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa-cvp-20
           
            Note: This version is used for CVP 3.0 and 3.1 and CVP VXML
            Server.
           
    Workarounds
    ===========

    Workarounds for Cisco CSA 4.5.0 and 4.51 Managed Agents Running on
    Microsoft Windows
    +-----------------------------------------------------------------

      * The risk of this issue can be mitigated by controlling the
        software allowed to run on workstations and servers.
      * Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent is a workaround for this
        particular issue but leaves the workstation or server at risk to
        all other issues that the agent provides protection against.
        Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent should only be considered
        as a last resort
      * There are no additional workarounds for this vulnerability.
        Please refer to the Obtaining Fixed Software section for
        appropriate solutions to resolve this vulnerability

    Mitigation and Best Practices for Cisco CallManager and Voice
    Application Servers
    +------------------------------------------------------------

      * The risk of this issue can be mitigated by controlling the
        software allowed to run on the server. Cisco strongly recommends
        configuring and using only the software that is approved to be
        installed on Cisco CallManager and Voice Application Servers.
      * IP telephony network security best practices can provide
        additional mitigation.
      * Cisco CallManagers and Voice Application servers should be on
        their own, separate IP networks
      * Cisco CallManagers and Voice Application servers should be
        protected at layer 2.
      * Access controls should be employed to protect voice networks from
        attacks that may originate from the data network.
      * Follow Operating System hardening best practices for Cisco
        CallManagers and Voice Application servers.
      * Implement approved Anti-Virus software on Cisco CallManagers and
        voice application servers.
      * For additional information about IP telephony network security
        best practices refer to:
        IP Telephony SRND for Cisco CallManager 3.3

    Workarounds for Systems Protected by Standalone CSA Agents
    +---------------------------------------------------------

    Cisco CSA for CallManager, CCC, Emergency Responder, IPCC Express, IP
    IVR, and IP Queue Manager

      * Downgrade to Cisco CSA for CallManager version 4.0.3 build 728
        which is available for download at:
        http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/cmva-3des
      * Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent is a workaround this
        particular issue but leaves the workstation or server at risk to
        all other issues that the agent provides protection against.
        Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent should only be considered
        as a last resort.
      * Procedures to uninstall and install CSA for CallManager can be
        found in the following documents:
        Installing Cisco Security Agent for Cisco CallManager
        http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps556/
        prod_installation_guide09186a0080242186.html
        Installing Cisco Security Agent for Cisco Customer Response
        Applications
        http://www.cisco.com/application/pdf/en/us/guest/products/ps5883/c1676/
        ccmigration_09186a0080262d47.pdf
      * There are no additional workarounds for this vulnerability.
        Please see the Obtaining Fixed Software section for appropriate
        solutions to resolve this vulnerability.

    Cisco CSA for ICM, IPCC Enterprise, and IPCC Hosted Version 4.5.1
    build 616

      * Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent is a workaround this
        particular issue but leaves the workstation or server at risk to
        all other issues that the agent provides protection against.
        Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent should only be considered
        as a last resort.
      * Uninstall procedures can be found in the following document:
        CiscoICM70-CSA-Installation-User-Guide.pdf which is available at:
        http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa10-crypto
      * There are no additional workarounds for this vulnerability.
        Please see the Obtaining Fixed Software section for appropriate
        solutions to resolve this vulnerability.

    Cisco CSA for CVP 3.0 and 3.1 version 4.5.0 build 573. This version
    is used by CVP 3.0 and 3.1 and CVP VXML Server

      * Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent is a workaround this
        particular issue but leaves the workstation or server at risk to
        all other issues that the agent provides protection against.
        Disabling or uninstalling the CSA agent should only be considered
        as a last resort.
      * Uninstall procedures can be found in the following document:
        CiscoCVP-CSA-InstallationGuide.pdf which is available at:
        http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/csa-cvp-20
      * There are no additional workarounds for this vulnerability.
        Please refer to the Obtaining Fixed Software section for
        appropriate solutions to resolve this vulnerability.

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

    Cisco has made free software available to address this vulnerability
    for affected customers. Prior to deploying software, customers should
    consult their maintenance provider or check the software for feature
    set compatibility and known issues specific to their environment.

    Customers can 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

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

    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 guidance and assistance
    with the appropriate course of action in regards to this advisory.

    The effectiveness of any workaround or fix 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 or
    fix is the most appropriate for use in the intended network before it
    is deployed.

    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

    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.

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

    A stand-alone copy or Paraphrase of the text of this document 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-20051129-csa.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
      * bugtraq@securityfocus.com
      * vulnwatch@vulnwatch.org
      * cisco@spot.colorado.edu
      * cisco-nsp@puck.nether.net
      * full-disclosure@lists.grok.org.uk
      * 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 | 2005-November-29 | Initial |
    | 1.0 | | 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. Important Notices and Privacy Statement.
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