Cisco CloudCenter Suite Log4j Remote Code Execution Vulnerability Scanner

Cisco CloudCenter Suite is an advanced cloud management platform designed to help organizations deploy, manage, and optimize applications across various cloud environments seamlessly. It provides a comprehensive solution for cloud automation, cost optimization, application modeling, and management, enabling IT and cloud operations teams to efficiently handle multi-cloud deployments. This platform supports a wide range of applications, from traditional monolithic architectures to modern microservices, making it a versatile tool for digital transformation initiatives. By offering centralized management for multiple cloud services, Cisco CloudCenter Suite simplifies the complexity associated with managing cloud resources, ensuring businesses can leverage the full potential of cloud computing.

The critical vulnerability within the Cisco CloudCenter Suite stems from its use of the Apache Log4j logging utility, specifically versions 2.0-beta9 through 2.15.0, which are susceptible to a remote code execution flaw. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-44228, allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system by manipulating log data to include a malicious JNDI lookup. The exploit leverages the Log4j library's ability to interpret log message placeholders, leading to unauthorized code execution without the need for authentication. This vulnerability poses a severe risk, as it could enable attackers to gain control over affected systems, leading to data theft, system compromise, and disruption of operations.

The exploit for this vulnerability involves sending a crafted request to the Cisco CloudCenter Suite with a specially formatted string in the Accept header, which triggers the Log4j vulnerability. This string includes a JNDI lookup to an attacker-controlled LDAP server, which then leads to the execution of arbitrary code on the vulnerable system. The exploit takes advantage of Log4j's message lookup substitution feature, which was intended for logging purposes but can be abused to execute code remotely. The interaction with an attacker-controlled server is confirmed through DNS interaction, indicating successful exploitation of the vulnerability.

Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malware, steal sensitive information, modify data, and gain unauthorized access to network resources. The impact extends beyond the compromised system, potentially affecting the broader network infrastructure and leading to significant operational disruptions, financial losses, and damage to the organization's reputation. Given the critical nature of Cisco CloudCenter Suite in managing cloud environments, the exploitation of this vulnerability could have widespread implications, underscoring the urgency of applying mitigations and patches.

By joining the securityforeveryone platform, users gain access to state-of-the-art security scanning and vulnerability management tools designed to identify and mitigate risks like the Log4j vulnerability in Cisco CloudCenter Suite. Our platform offers comprehensive scanning capabilities, detailed vulnerability reports, and expert remediation advice, ensuring your digital assets are protected against emerging threats. Enhance your cybersecurity posture with securityforeveryone and ensure the resilience of your cloud management platform against sophisticated cyber-attacks.

References

• https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/10/1
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228