Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Software Static Credential Vulnerability

In plain language

What this advisory means

The Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center software contains a security flaw that lets an attacker connect remotely without logging in and use a fixed low-level user account to access sensitive information. This is risky because the vulnerable account has hard-coded credentials, making it easier for attackers to exploit. If the management interface is not connected to the public internet, the risk is lower. Cisco warns this flaw is serious because it can be combined with other weaknesses to gain higher access levels. Cisco has released updates to fix this problem, and no temporary workarounds exist.

Technical explanation

How the issue affects the environment

The vulnerability arises from static user credentials embedded in the web interface of the Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center (FMC) Software. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit these fixed low-privileged credentials to log in to the device and access sensitive data within the system. The presence of static credentials means the password and username do not change, providing an easy target. Although this account has limited privileges, Cisco rates the vulnerability as 'High' due to its potential use alongside other weaknesses to escalate privileges further. Cisco has addressed the issue through updated software releases, and no mitigations or workarounds are available. The attack surface is reduced if the FMC management interface lacks public internet access.

Operational impact

Why teams should care

Successful exploitation could allow unauthorized actors to access sensitive information on Cisco Secure FMC devices using a low-privileged account. While the initial access is limited, attackers could leverage this vulnerability with other Cisco FMC vulnerabilities to escalate privileges, potentially leading to broader compromise. This presents a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of network security operations and data protected by the affected devices. Organizations using this software should prioritize upgrading to fixed versions to protect their infrastructure.

Affected and fixed releases

Temporary risk reduction

Cisco states there are no available workarounds to address this vulnerability. Reducing exposure by limiting the FMC management interface's internet accessibility can reduce risk but does not eliminate it.

Evidence and validation checklist

• Cisco official security advisory page URL
• Details about static user credentials vulnerability
• Cisco's Security Impact Rating designation as High
• Confirmed active exploitation notice by Cisco PSIRT
• List of fixed software versions
• Instructions that no workaround is available
• CLI commands to detect exploitation indicators