A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks 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. Cisco has not released software updates that address this vulnerability. There are no workarounds that address this vulnerability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability, which allows attackers to exploit it over a network with a low attack complexity, requiring low privileges and user interaction.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and the ability for attackers to execute scripts within the context of the application. The absence of patches or workarounds increases the urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2025-20168. It affects the Cisco Common Services Platform Collector (CSPC) and the Cisco Crosswork Network Controller. The vulnerability allows for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks due to insufficient validation of user input. The CVSS score is 5.4, indicating medium severity. The vulnerability was published on January 8, 2025, and is classified under CWE-86.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the web-based management interface's failure to properly validate user input. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote exploitation. The attack complexity is low, as it requires minimal skill to exploit the vulnerability. Privileges required are low, and user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, while availability is unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using affected versions of Cisco products face significant risks. The potential for unauthorized access and data exfiltration increases, particularly in environments where sensitive information is handled. The fact that there are no patches or workarounds available further amplifies the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include Cisco Common Services Platform Collector versions 2.11, and the Crosswork Network Controller across specific version ranges. Organizations should review their deployments to identify if they are affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Currently, there are no patches or updates available to remediate this vulnerability. Organizations are encouraged to monitor for any updates from Cisco. For organizations needing immediate assistance, consulting security experts can provide insights into potential workarounds and mitigation strategies.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual user interactions and script execution within the management interface can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also remain vigilant about user account activities and access patterns.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in web-based management interfaces. Organizations should review their security practices to ensure robust input handling to mitigate risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, security teams should prioritize ongoing security assessments, including application security assessments and penetration testing methodologies to ensure that all aspects of their systems are secure against potential exploits.
The long-term implications of this vulnerability could lead to a trend in similar vulnerabilities being exploited, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures and continuous monitoring.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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