Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) has a medium-severity vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks against users of the web-based management interface. This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of user-supplied input, which enables the attacker to inject malicious code into specific pages of the interface.
A successful exploit may allow attackers 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 possess at least a low-privileged account on an affected device.
Given that Cisco has not released software updates to address this vulnerability and no workarounds are available, organizations using the affected products should take immediate steps to mitigate potential risks.
The current CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.4, which is categorized as medium severity. The urgency for organizations to act is heightened by the potential for misuse if left unaddressed.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized access to sensitive information and execution of malicious scripts in the user context.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to exploit cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities through the web-based management interface of Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC).
The CVSS score is 5.4, indicating medium severity due to the low attack complexity and required user interaction. It affects versions of the Common Services Platform Collector and the Crosswork Network Controller.
The vulnerability was published on January 8, 2025. It has been classified under CWE-86 for improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('XSS').
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient validation of user-supplied input, which allows for XSS attacks. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, requiring low privileges and user interaction.
Successful exploitation can lead to a low impact on confidentiality and integrity; however, availability is not affected. Organizations should be aware of the potential for exploitation and the need for vigilance in monitoring usage.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes exposure to malicious scripts that could capture sensitive information or facilitate unauthorized actions within the user's session. Given the nature of the vulnerability, the blast radius is concerning, especially for organizations that rely heavily on the affected platforms.
Organizations should prioritize addressing this vulnerability in their patch cycle, as the potential for exploitation could lead to significant impacts on operations and trust.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Cisco Common Services Platform Collector include 2.11 and its subversions, as well as Cisco Crosswork Network Controller versions from 5.0.0 to 5.0.4, 6.0.0 to 6.0.3, and 7.0.0 to 7.0.1. Organizations should ensure that they are using versions not impacted by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
As no patches or workarounds have been provided by Cisco, organizations should implement appropriate security controls, such as restricting access to the management interface and continuously monitoring for suspicious activity. Effective network segmentation and user training on security awareness are also recommended.
Organizations should validate remediation effectiveness through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of XSS attempts and look for behavioral anomalies in user sessions. Unusual HTTP requests or script executions in the management interface should be flagged for investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the rising trend of XSS attacks targeting web-based management interfaces. Security teams must recognize the critical importance of input validation and proactive monitoring.
To build a robust security posture, organizations should consider implementing a penetration testing methodology that includes regular assessments of web interfaces and user interactions.
Lessons learned from past incidents highlight the need for a comprehensive vulnerability management program that emphasizes continuous improvement and incident response readiness.
Finally, maintaining a proactive stance towards emerging threats can significantly enhance an organization's resilience against future vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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