A vulnerability in the SAML 2.0 single sign-on (SSO) feature of Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software and Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack against the SAML feature and access sensitive, browser-based information. This vulnerability is due to insufficient input validation of multiple HTTP parameters. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to access a malicious link. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to conduct a reflected XSS attack through an affected device.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 6.1, which is classified as medium severity. This classification indicates a moderate risk to organizations, highlighting the importance of addressing the vulnerability promptly. The potential for exploitation exists, especially if users are tricked into accessing malicious links.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The nature of the vulnerability, combined with the potential for remote attacks, necessitates swift action from security teams.
This vulnerability affects the Adaptive Security Appliance Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software from Cisco. With the threat landscape constantly evolving, staying informed and proactive is crucial for maintaining security posture.
Organizations should monitor their systems for any signs of exploitation and take necessary precautions to protect sensitive information.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the SAML SSO feature through insufficient input validation of multiple HTTP parameters. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('Cross-site Scripting').
The CVSS base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as network-based; it requires no privileges to exploit, but user interaction is necessary for the attack to be successful.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the inadequate validation of HTTP parameters, making it possible for attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. This can occur when users are persuaded to click on a malicious link, resulting in a reflected XSS attack.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no special privileges, and only necessitating that the user interacts with the malicious link. The complexity of the attack is low, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as low, indicating that while the attack may not directly compromise data confidentiality or integrity, it can still lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive browser-based information through XSS attacks. The urgency for remediation is critical, given the medium severity level and the nature of the attack vector.
With user interaction required for exploitation, organizations should focus on user education and awareness as part of their defense strategy. Regular security training and awareness programs can help mitigate risks associated with social engineering tactics.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of Cisco Secure Firewall ASA Software and Firepower Threat Defense Software are affected: version 9.16.1 to 9.16.4.89, 9.17.1 to 9.18.4.71, 9.20.1 to 9.20.4.19, 9.22.1.1 to 9.22.2.32, and 9.23.1 to 9.23.1.26 for ASA Software; and version 7.0.0 to 7.0.9, 7.1.0 to 7.2.11, 7.4.0 to 7.4.3, and 7.6.0 to 10.0.0 for FTD Software.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply patches and updates provided by Cisco as soon as they become available. Regularly updating software is essential to protect against known vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations can implement network controls to limit access to the SAML feature and monitor for unusual activities indicative of exploitation attempts.
For more comprehensive security strategies, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as unusual GET requests containing script payloads. Behavioral anomalies, including unexpected redirections or changes in user session behavior, should also be investigated. Network signatures that correlate with known exploit attempts can further aid in detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the increasing reliance on SSO mechanisms across organizations. As more businesses adopt SAML for authentication, ensuring robust input validation becomes paramount. Security teams must remain vigilant against these types of vulnerabilities, regularly reviewing and updating their security posture.
The pattern of vulnerabilities related to input validation underscores the need for comprehensive application security testing. Organizations should invest in regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses. For further guidance, refer to our resources on API penetration testing and cloud penetration testing best practices.
In conclusion, organizations must adopt a proactive approach in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities such as CVE-2026-20102 to maintain a secure operational environment.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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