A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Nexus Dashboard could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against a user of the web-based management interface of an affected device. This vulnerability is due to insufficient user input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user of the interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive, browser-based information.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations should take this into account as the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive information and manipulation of the affected interface. The exploitation status is currently unknown, but organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Cisco has published guidance on this vulnerability, and it is crucial for organizations to stay informed regarding the necessary updates and patches to mitigate this risk. The vulnerability has been assigned the CWE classification CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
Given the nature of the vulnerability, the required user interaction implies that organizations must educate their users about the potential risks of clicking on unknown links.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description states that it allows a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack due to insufficient user input validation. The vulnerability affects all versions of Cisco Nexus Dashboard prior to version 2.3(1c).
The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, which signifies a low attack complexity and requires user interaction. The scope has changed, with a low impact on confidentiality and integrity.
Published on March 1, 2023, organizations must act swiftly to remediate this vulnerability to avoid potential exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient validation of user input, allowing attackers to inject script code. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, and no privileges are required for exploitation. User interaction is required, making it necessary for the victim to click a malicious link.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are low, while the availability impact is none, highlighting the risk of unauthorized information access rather than service disruption.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk for this vulnerability includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and the potential for attackers to manipulate the web-based management interface. Organizations should recognize that the blast radius could extend to any user interacting with the dashboard, making it critical to address this issue swiftly. Given the CVSS score of 6.1, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Cisco Nexus Dashboard prior to version 2.3(1c) are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Upgrade to Cisco Nexus Dashboard version 2.3(1c) or later. If the patch is unavailable, consider implementing configuration hardening measures to reduce exposure. Additionally, organizations should educate users about the risks of clicking on links from unknown sources.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual access patterns to the management interface. Look for behavioral anomalies indicating potential exploitation attempts, such as unexpected redirects or script execution. Implement network signatures to detect suspicious activity related to the vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its ability to exploit user input validation flaws, a common weakness in web applications. Organizations must recognize the pattern of XSS vulnerabilities and implement robust security measures, including user input validation and output sanitization. Security teams should leverage this incident to strengthen their defenses against similar threats and consider adopting an ongoing penetration testing strategy to identify potential vulnerabilities.
For further insights on penetration testing, organizations can explore services such as penetration testing to proactively address security weaknesses.
Additionally, organizations should remain vigilant about emerging security threats and ensure their security posture is continuously assessed and improved.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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