A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges. The vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation by the system CLI. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by authenticating to an affected device and submitting crafted input to the system CLI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute commands on the underlying operating system with root privileges. The severity level for this vulnerability is high, with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating significant risk to organizations.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to critical system functions, which may lead to further exploitation of the network. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard against potential threats. As of the latest update, no public exploits have been confirmed, but the vulnerability's ease of exploitation underscores the need for immediate attention.
Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, it is crucial for organizations using Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software to assess their systems and apply necessary updates as soon as possible.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, classified under CWE-78, has been assigned a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. It affects Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software versions 16.12 to 17.0, any version from 17.2 to 17.2.2, from 17.3 to 17.3.3, from 17.4 to 17.4.1, from 17.5 to 17.5.0a, and version 17.6.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation in the command-line interface (CLI) of the affected software. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this weakness locally, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. No user interaction is required, and the attack complexity is low, making it particularly concerning. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, raising the overall risk profile of the vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant. Given that it allows for arbitrary command execution with root privileges, the blast radius could include critical infrastructure and sensitive data access. Organizations should assess the urgency based on the CVSS score and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Immediate patching is recommended to mitigate risks of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN Software include: versions 16.12 to 17.0, 17.2 to 17.2.2, 17.3 to 17.3.3, 17.4 to 17.4.1, 17.5 to 17.5.0a, and version 17.6.0. Organizations using these versions should verify their systems and apply patches promptly.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. If an immediate patch is not available, consider implementing configuration hardening practices to limit access to the CLI and monitor system logs for unusual activities. Regular penetration testing can also help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. For further assistance, organizations may explore penetration testing services to ensure their systems are secured against future threats.
Detection Guidance
Monitor system logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts, particularly in the CLI. Look for unusual command executions or changes to system configurations that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, consider implementing network signatures that may help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical systems. Organizations should analyze their security posture and the effectiveness of their defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future. Patterns of exploitation in the wild can inform security teams on emerging threats and help refine their strategies. For organizations leveraging Cisco technology, implementing robust security measures and regular assessments are essential to maintaining a strong security posture.
For further reading on vulnerabilities and security assessments, see our guides on vulnerability management and the importance of penetration testing in identifying security gaps.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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