CVE-2024-20510 is identified as a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Cisco IOS XE Software, specifically targeting the Central Web Authentication (CWA) feature used by Wireless Controllers. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.7, indicating a moderate risk level that organizations should address in their patch cycle.
This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to bypass the pre-authentication access control list (ACL). The underlying issue lies in a logic error when activating the pre-authentication ACL received from the authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server. An attacker could exploit this by connecting to a wireless network configured for CWA and sending traffic that should be denied by the ACL.
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to network resources before user authentication is completed. In practical terms, this could lead to attackers accessing trusted networks that the device is meant to protect. Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability to mitigate risk.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, and it has not been classified as actively exploited in the wild. However, given its potential impact, organizations should remain vigilant and apply the necessary updates as soon as they become available.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to ensure network security and integrity.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question is tied to the Central Web Authentication feature of Cisco IOS XE, allowing for unauthorized access to network resources due to a logic error in ACL activation. The official CVE description states that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability by connecting to an affected wireless network and sending traffic that should be denied.
The CVSS score of 4.7 indicates a medium severity level, reflecting a low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. Consequently, the vulnerability falls under the CWE classification of CWE-863, which pertains to improper authorization.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-20510 is a logic error in the functionality of the pre-authentication ACL within Cisco IOS XE. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability through an adjacent network, meaning that they must be on the same local network as the target device. The attack complexity is low, and no user interaction is required for exploitation.
The impact on confidentiality is noted as none, while there is a low impact on integrity. Availability impact is also none, indicating that while data may not be directly affected, unauthorized access could lead to further exploitation or data breaches.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is moderate. Organizations using affected versions of Cisco IOS XE in critical environments must be aware of the potential for unauthorized access to their networks. The blast radius could include sensitive network resources, highlighting the importance of timely remediation.
Given the CVSS score of 4.7 and the lack of known exploits, organizations should prioritize patching within their regular maintenance cycle. However, due to the nature of the vulnerability, it is advisable to expedite patching efforts to reinforce security posture.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Cisco IOS XE prior to the vendor patch are affected. This includes numerous versions starting from 16.3.1 through to 17.13.1.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Cisco to remediate this vulnerability. It is crucial to follow the vendor's advisory for specific upgrade paths and mitigation strategies. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to affected devices and conduct regular monitoring for any unusual activities.
For further insights on effective security strategies, organizations may refer to our guide on penetration testing as a proactive measure.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly in relation to pre-authentication traffic and ACL configurations. Additionally, behavioral anomalies should be flagged and investigated, ensuring that any unauthorized access is promptly addressed.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2024-20510 represents a significant vulnerability due to its potential for unauthorized network access. This highlights the importance of robust ACL configurations and regular security reviews in wireless environments. Security teams should learn from this incident to strengthen their defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
For further reading on enhancing security practices, consider exploring our resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management programs to ensure a comprehensive security approach.
Finally, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities and maintain an active patch management strategy as part of their overall cybersecurity posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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