CVE-2019-1656: Shell Access in Cisco NFV Infrastructure SW
Platform
cisco
Component
cisco-enterprise-nfv-infrastructure-software
CVE-2019-1656 is a vulnerability in the Command Line Interface (CLI) of Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software (NFVIS). An authenticated, local attacker can exploit this flaw to gain shell access to the underlying Linux operating system. The vulnerability is due to improper input validation within the affected software.
Impact and Attack Scenarios
Successful exploitation of CVE-2019-1656 allows an attacker to gain shell access to the underlying Linux operating system with a non-root user account. While not root access, this still provides significant control over the system, allowing the attacker to access system configuration files, install malicious software, and potentially escalate privileges. The impact is mitigated by the requirement for local access, but the potential for compromise remains a concern, especially in environments with limited physical security.
Exploitation Context
CVE-2019-1656 was published on January 24, 2019. The vulnerability requires local access, limiting the immediate risk. No public exploits are widely known. Severity is considered medium. No KEV or EPSS score is available.
Threat Intelligence
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.04% (11% percentile)
CVSS Vector
What do these metrics mean?
- Attack Vector
- Local — attacker needs a local shell or interactive session on the system.
- Attack Complexity
- Low — no special conditions required. Attacker can exploit reliably without depending on rare configurations or timing.
- Privileges Required
- Low — any valid user account is sufficient. Basic authenticated access required.
- User Interaction
- None — attack is automatic and silent. Victim does nothing: no click, no file open.
- Scope
- Unchanged — impact is limited to the vulnerable component itself.
- Confidentiality
- Low — partial or indirect data access. Attacker gains limited information.
- Integrity
- Low — attacker can modify some data with limited scope or impact.
- Availability
- Low — partial or intermittent denial of service. Attacker can degrade performance.
Affected Software
Weakness Classification (CWE)
Timeline
- Reserved
- Published
- Modified
- EPSS updated
Mitigation and Workarounds
The primary mitigation is to upgrade to the patched version of Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software. Restrict physical access to the device to prevent local exploitation. Implement strong authentication and authorization controls for CLI access. Regularly review system logs for any suspicious activity. After upgrading, verify the fix by attempting to execute a command that should trigger the vulnerability and confirming that it is rejected.
How to fix
Actualizar el software Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure a una versión que haya corregido la vulnerabilidad. Consultar el advisory de seguridad de Cisco para obtener más información y las versiones corregidas.
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2019-1656 in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software?
It's a vulnerability in Cisco NFVIS allowing authenticated local attackers to gain shell access to the underlying Linux OS.
Am I affected by CVE-2019-1656 in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software?
If you use Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software and haven't patched, you're potentially vulnerable.
How do I fix CVE-2019-1656 in Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software?
Upgrade to the latest firmware from Cisco. Restrict physical access to the device.
Is CVE-2019-1656 being actively exploited?
No widespread exploitation is publicly known, but the potential for compromise remains a concern.
Where can I find the official Cisco Enterprise NFV Infrastructure Software advisory for CVE-2019-1656?
Refer to the Cisco Security Advisory and the NVD entry for CVE-2019-1656 for detailed information.
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