CVE-2014-3329 in Prime Data Center Network Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web-server component in Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) 6.3(2) and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL, aka Bug ID CSCum86620.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3329 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Cisco Prime Data Center Network Manager version 6.3(2) and earlier releases. This web-server component vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser by manipulating crafted URLs. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the DCNM web interface, creating an attack surface where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a network management solution that administrators rely upon for critical infrastructure monitoring and configuration, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network operations.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the web server fails to adequately sanitize user-controllable input parameters within URL strings. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing script code that gets executed when the vulnerable DCNM web interface processes these requests. This flaw allows for the injection of arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that can persist in the application's response, enabling attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized commands within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web-server component of the DCNM platform, which handles user authentication and administrative functions, amplifying the potential impact of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete compromise of the network management environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive network configuration data, manipulate network device settings, or establish persistent access to the DCNM administrative interface. This risk is particularly severe given that DCNM serves as a central management platform for data center networks, where unauthorized access could result in widespread network disruption or unauthorized modifications to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to carry out attacks, making it a significant threat to network security posture.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Cisco Prime DCNM versions that address this vulnerability, typically those beyond 6.3(2). Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable web server. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized and encoded before processing. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious URL patterns and unusual web traffic that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving web application exploitation and credential access, potentially enabling lateral movement within network infrastructure. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other network management systems and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.