CVE-2013-5541 in Identity Services Engine Software
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the file-upload interface in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted filename, aka Bug ID CSCui67495.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5541 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Identity Services Engine's file upload functionality. This security weakness exists in the authentication and authorization framework that governs network access control, potentially exposing organizations to sophisticated web-based attacks that exploit the trust relationships between users and network infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the file upload interface component of Cisco ISE, which serves as a critical administrative tool for network administrators managing access policies and user authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file upload processing pipeline. When authenticated users submit files through the interface, the system fails to properly sanitize filename parameters, allowing malicious actors to embed malicious script code within file names. This flaw operates under CWE-79 which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic XSS vulnerability that can be exploited through user-contaminated input fields. The attack vector specifically leverages the fact that the system does not adequately filter or encode special characters in filenames before processing them, creating an opportunity for script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to the entire network infrastructure. Network administrators who upload files through the vulnerable interface become potential entry points for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or establish persistent access within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations using Cisco ISE versions prior to 1.3.1 and 1.4.1, where the security patch was implemented to address the XSS flaw. This creates a significant risk for enterprises that have not updated their network access control systems, as the attack surface includes all authenticated users with access to the file upload functionality.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where the XSS payload could be used to execute malicious commands through the web interface. The vulnerability also aligns with T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering, as attackers could use the XSS capability to capture authentication tokens or session cookies from administrators. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous file upload activities, while also ensuring that all network access control systems remain updated with the latest security patches. The remediation strategy must include immediate patch deployment, enhanced input validation procedures, and regular security assessments of administrative interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other network components.