A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco FXOS Software and Cisco UCS Manager Software could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to conduct a stored cross-site scripting (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 data 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 valid credentials for a user account with the role of Administrator or AAA Administrator.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 4.8. This indicates a moderate risk to organizations, particularly those utilizing Cisco FXOS and UCS Manager Software. The potential for exploitation, combined with the necessity for valid user credentials, presents a unique challenge for security teams.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive user data and the ability to execute scripts that could compromise the security of the management interface. Given the critical nature of the management interfaces involved, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proofs of concept available for this vulnerability. However, the attack vector remains a concern due to the implications of stored XSS attacks, which could lead to broader network compromises.
Organizations using the affected software should monitor their systems for suspicious activity and ensure that their user accounts have strong authentication measures in place.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. The CVSS score of 4.8 reflects a medium severity level, with the following characteristics:
Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
Attack Vector | NETWORK |
Attack Complexity | LOW |
Privileges Required | HIGH |
User Interaction | REQUIRED |
Confidentiality Impact | LOW |
Integrity Impact | LOW |
Availability Impact | NONE |
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing Cisco FXOS and UCS Manager Software face a moderate risk due to the stored XSS vulnerability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute scripts within the interface, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation. The blast radius is limited to users with administrative access, but the impact could be significant if such access is misused.
The urgency for defenders is moderate; organizations should schedule remediation in their patch cycle to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
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. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest version of Cisco FXOS and UCS Manager Software to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying patches provided by Cisco to remediate this vulnerability. If patches are unavailable, consider implementing the following workarounds:
1. Restrict access to the web-based management interface to trusted networks.
2. Monitor user account activity for any unauthorized access attempts.
3. Educate users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or providing credentials.
For further information on security best practices, organizations can refer to penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor the following indicators:
1. Logs for unusual user activity on the management interface.
2. Network traffic patterns that indicate unauthorized access attempts.
3. Any changes to user roles that do not align with organizational policy.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability stems from the increasing reliance on web-based management interfaces in modern network architectures. Organizations should be aware of the potential for similar vulnerabilities arising in other systems, highlighting the importance of robust input validation.
Patterns in this vulnerability indicate a trend where insufficient input validation leads to serious security flaws. Security teams are encouraged to regularly review and enhance their validation mechanisms.
For more insights on vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the vulnerability management program and explore best practices in securing web interfaces.
Additionally, reviewing the latest trends in web application security can provide valuable context for understanding the implications of this vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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