Cisco Security Advisory
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AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N/E:F/RL:OF/RC:C
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Cisco Secure Access Control System (ACS) contains a vulnerability that could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass TACACS+ based authentication services offered by the affected application.
The vulnerability is due to improper validation of user-supplied input processed by the affected software. An unauthenticated, remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a special sequence of characters when prompted for a targeted user's password. Successful exploitation could allow the attacker to gain unauthorized access to any system that uses TACACS+ and relies on the authentication service provided by the affected software in the networking environment.
Cisco has confirmed this vulnerability and software updates are available.
A successful exploit requires an attacker to know a valid username stored in the LDAP external identity store. If valid usernames have been compromised, the attacker can impersonate only those users. Administrators may consider using role-based access controls (RBAC) for users in the environment to help protect network resources in the event of a successful exploit. In addition, an attacker would likely need access to an internal, trusted network in which a targeted device may reside, decreasing the likelihood of a successful exploit.
Cisco indicates through the CVSS score that functional exploit code exists; however, the code is not known to be publicly available.
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Cisco has released a security advisory for Cisco bug ID CSCuc65634 at the following link: cisco-sa-20121107-acs
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Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators may consider disabling anonymous binding on the LDAP external identity store or use a different Active Directory to help prevent exploitation of this vulnerability if these options are possible in the production environment.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
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Cisco customers with active contracts can obtain updates through the Software Center at the following link: Cisco. Cisco customers without contracts can obtain upgrades by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-553-2447 or 1-408-526-7209 or via e-mail at tac@cisco.com.
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The Cisco Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is not aware of any public announcements or malicious use of the vulnerability that is described in this advisory.
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To learn about Cisco security vulnerability disclosure policies and publications, see the Security Vulnerability Policy. This document also contains instructions for obtaining fixed software and receiving security vulnerability information from Cisco.
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Show LessVersion Description Section Status Date 1.0 Initial Release NA Final 2012-Nov-07
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