A vulnerability in Cisco Nexus Dashboard and Cisco Nexus Dashboard Insights could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a server-side request forgery (SSRF) attack through an affected device. This vulnerability is due to improper input validation for specific HTTP requests. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading an authenticated user of the device management interface to click a crafted link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to send arbitrary network requests that are sourced from the affected device to an attacker-controlled server. The attacker could then execute arbitrary script code in the context of the affected interface or access sensitive browser-based information.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. The potential risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability to execute scripts in the context of the affected interface, which could lead to further exploitation.
As of now, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not actively exploited in the wild. However, organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any updates on the situation. The urgency for defenders is moderate, and they should schedule remediation to ensure the security of their systems.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access and the execution of malicious scripts. Organizations should assess their exposure and take necessary actions to protect their systems from possible SSRF attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is associated with improper input validation related to specific HTTP requests. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-918, indicating a server-side request forgery issue. The CVSS vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, reflecting its attack vector, complexity, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation for HTTP requests. The attack vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring physical access to the affected system. The attack complexity is low, as it relies on social engineering to convince a user to click on a crafted link, leading to potential exploitation. No privileges are required for the attacker, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the exploit.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, indicating that while the attacker can send requests and receive responses, the actual data exposure is limited. There is no impact on availability, as the vulnerability does not affect the service itself.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability to execute scripts that could compromise the system's security. Given the low attack complexity and the need for user interaction, the blast radius for this vulnerability could extend to any organization using Cisco Nexus Dashboard products. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and implement necessary preventive measures.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should refer to Cisco's advisory for specific version information.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply patches as they become available. If patches are not available, consider implementing workarounds such as user education on avoiding unknown links and validating request sources.
Monitoring network traffic for unusual requests and configuring firewalls to restrict unauthorized access can also help mitigate potential risks. For further information on penetration testing, organizations can consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, such as unexpected outbound requests. Behavioral anomalies in user interactions with the device management interface should also be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in network-facing applications. Security teams should recognize that SSRF vulnerabilities can lead to significant data exposure if unmitigated.
Organizations should adopt a proactive security posture to anticipate and address similar vulnerabilities. For more insights, organizations can explore best practices in penetration testing methodology and the importance of validating security controls.
Additionally, the trend of SSRF vulnerabilities in various technologies indicates a need for continuous education and awareness training for development teams to promote secure coding practices.
By aligning security efforts with development processes, organizations can better manage their risk posture against current and emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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