A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct an XSS attack against a user of the interface. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input by the web-based management interface of an affected system. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into specific pages of the interface. 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. To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have at least a low-privileged account on an affected device.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 5.4. Organizations using Cisco ISE should prioritize addressing this vulnerability due to its potential impact. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and the execution of arbitrary scripts within the browser context of affected users.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation remains a concern. Organizations should monitor their systems for any signs of attempted exploitation and ensure that their software is up to date to mitigate risks.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to protect against possible attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which pertains to improper input validation leading to cross-site scripting (XSS). The affected component is the Cisco Identity Services Engine, specifically versions 2.7.0 and 3.0.0 to 3.3.0, with specific patches noted. The vulnerability was published on August 7, 2024.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the web-based management interface failing to validate user input adequately. The attack vector is network-based, requiring a low level of complexity for exploitation. Attackers must possess a low-privileged account and require user interaction to successfully exploit the vulnerability. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, while availability is not affected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is moderate. Organizations using Cisco ISE might face unauthorized access to sensitive information if the vulnerability is exploited. The potential blast radius is significant, as any user with a low-privileged account could be targeted. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize patching to mitigate this risk.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Cisco Identity Services Engine include 2.7.0, 3.0.0 to 3.3.0, and their respective patches. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest versions to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching their Cisco Identity Services Engine to address this vulnerability. The recommended version to upgrade to includes the latest patches. If a patch is not available, consider implementing configuration hardening measures and network controls to limit access to the management interface. Continuous monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts is also advised.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual user activity, such as unauthorized script execution attempts, and review behavioral anomalies within the management interface.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to expose sensitive information through XSS attacks. It represents a broader trend in web-based management interfaces lacking sufficient input validation, underscoring the importance of rigorous security testing practices. Security teams should learn from this incident and incorporate enhanced input validation mechanisms in their development processes.
For more information on security testing best practices, organizations can refer to the security testing best practices as part of their ongoing security assessments.
To further bolster security, consider engaging in penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses across your systems.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats by following industry trends and adapting their security strategies accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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