CVE-2023-20273: High Vulnerability in Cisco IOS XE

A vulnerability in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to inject commands with the privileges of root. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted input to the web UI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to inject commands to the underlying operating system with root privileges.

This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.2, indicating high severity. The attack vector for this vulnerability is over the network with low complexity, and it requires high privileges. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.

Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized command execution and system compromise, which can lead to significant operational disruptions. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

Currently, the vulnerability is known to be actively exploited as part of a broader attack strategy when combined with CVE-2023-20198, which can escalate privileges to root.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability in question allows remote attackers to execute commands with root privileges due to insufficient input validation in the web UI of Cisco IOS XE Software. The CVSS score of 7.2 places it in the high severity category, necessitating immediate attention from security teams.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user input adequately. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network with low complexity, requiring high privileges to carry out the attack. No user interaction is necessary for the attack to be successful.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Organizations utilizing affected versions of Cisco IOS XE Web UI face a significant risk of unauthorized access and control over their systems. The blast radius of this vulnerability is substantial, as it can facilitate further attacks and system compromises, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities. Given the high CVSS score and the existence of known exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability with urgency.

Exploitation Status

Affected Versions

The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Cisco IOS XE, including versions 16.1.1 through 17.12.1a, with specific vulnerabilities noted in the web UI feature.

Mitigation & Remediation

Cisco has recommended that organizations update affected systems to the latest versions to mitigate this vulnerability. For systems exposed to the internet, immediate remediation is critical. Organizations should ensure compliance with vendor instructions and continuously monitor their systems for any signs of compromise.

Detection Guidance

Monitoring for suspicious activities and anomalies in user interactions with the Cisco IOS XE Web UI can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Logs should be scrutinized for unusual command executions.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in web applications. Security teams should consider implementing strict validation controls and regular security assessments to detect similar vulnerabilities in their environments.

For further information on mitigating web application vulnerabilities, organizations can refer to our web application security testing guide.

Regularly reviewing and updating security configurations, as well as engaging in penetration testing can help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

For insights into emerging threats and vulnerability trends, organizations should follow our vulnerability management program design strategies.

In conclusion, organizations should regularly assess their security posture and adapt to the evolving threat landscape to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20273.